VIENTIANE: A new nationwide campaign has been launched to reshape the perception of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among Lao youth, aiming to bridge the growing gap between the country’s labour market needs and student career choices.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET) as part of the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry (STAF) Programme, kicked off recently at Vientiane Secondary School, where it transformed the school’s afternoon assembly into a vibrant, hands-on arena for career exploration.
The event marks the beginning of a sustained effort to address declining TVET enrolment rates, which have struggled to recover since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The “Real talk on vocational skills development” panel sharing insights focused on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), career pathways, and skills development opportunities.
The launch event drew over 100 students from years four and seven face-to-face with educators and successful alumni from Pakpasak Technical College, Lao-German Technical College, Dongkhamxang Agriculture Technical College and the Polytechnic College.
In a departure from traditional presentations, students participated in practical demonstrations, including graphic design and hospitality skills such as napkin folding. A representative from DTVET, Phouvong Lattanakone, said the campaign was designed to bring TVET directly to the students.
“TVET equips young people with the practical skills and know-how the labour market needs,” Phouvong said. “This campaign is about bringing TVET to students so they can see it, try it, and imagine themselves in it.”
The campaign comes at a critical time for the Lao economy. Despite high demand for skilled workers in sectors such as tourism, hospitality and agriculture, often accompanied by increased wages, many young people continue to pursue academic pathways that do not align with market needs or their personal strengths.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Real Talk on Vocational Skills Development”, where panellists engaged with students through a frank dialogue regarding potential income, career progression, and breaking gender barriers in the workplace.
Sharing her success story, Kongmani Phammavongsa, owner of the Khua Mae Jiab Restaurant and a Pakpasak Technical College alumna, told students how vocational education gave her the confidence to win culinary competitions and launch her own catering business.
To help students navigate their futures, the event provided a Career Guidance Clinic featuring an online aptitude test and graphical displays of career pathways.
Information booths allowed for one-on-one discussions regarding scholarships, enrollment timelines and daily campus life.
Initial feedback from the event’s “Perception Check” board indicated a significant shift in student interest towards TVET.
The DTVET aims to replicate this success across at least nine provinces throughout 2026 and 2027, with upcoming events scheduled for Bolikhamxay and Vientiane provinces.
The promotional campaign is a collaborative effort involving 12 vocational schools and colleges, and insights from private sector employers.
By using unified branding and digital outreach, the Ministry hopes to reach 150,000 people across the country.
A primary focus of the outreach is to encourage enrolment among young women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that the benefits of skilled employment are inclusive.
The six-year STAF Programme (2023–2028) is co-financed by the Governments of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the European Union. It is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports in partnership with LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
As the campaign rolls out across the provinces, officials hope it will inspire a new generation of Lao professionals to view TVET not as a secondary option, but as a first-choice pathway to a stable and successful career. - Vientiane Times/ANN
