Skills training boosts employment prospects in Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Vientiane (ILO News) – Lao returnee migrant workers, unemployed individuals, job seekers, and other vulnerable groups in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have gained practical skills and improved their employment prospects after successfully completing a reskilling training programme.

With support from the ILO-China Partnership Programme on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, the Lao Trade Union Development Institute organized a training workshop on electrical installation and air-conditioner repair in Vientiane from 19 to 23 October 2026.

The training provided participants with both theoretical and practical knowledge in electrical installation and air-conditioner maintenance and repair. In addition to technical skills, participants strengthened their understanding of occupational safety and health (OSH), safe and environmentally sustainable work practices, and workers’ rights.

The programme also provided participants with information on employment opportunities and pathways to decent work. A total of 30 returnee migrant workers, unemployed individuals, job seekers and vulnerable people successfully completed the training and received certificates.

“By equipping participants with market-relevant skills and promoting professional work ethics, the training contributes to improving employability and addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the electrical and air-conditioning service sectors in the country,” said Tian Feng, Project Manager of ILO/China Partnership Project on Skills Development.

The ILO–China Partnership Programme on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and Triangular Cooperation places strong emphasis on working with trade unions and other social partners.

For four years, it has partnered with trade unions to deliver employment skills training and upskilling programmes tailored to the needs of migrant workers, unemployed people, job seekers and other vulnerable groups to improve their employability.

© ILO

© ILO