Laos aims to improve workforce skills and also expand job access for its youth

The Star

4 days ago

VIENTIANE (Xinhua: The Lao government, in collaboration with its partner, has launched a skills testing and certification program to improve national workforce standards and promote fair employment opportunities nationwide.
The programme was officially launched on Wednesday in Lao capital Vientiane, bringing together key development partners, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders, according to a report from the Lao Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare on Thursday.
In his speech, Lao Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Phongsaysak Inthalath highlighted the importance of skills testing in assessing workers' abilities and recognizing informal skills according to national standards.
He emphasized that certification allows experienced workers, especially those without formal qualifications, to gain official recognition, promoting lifelong learning and encouraging continuous upskilling to meet evolving market and technological demands.
He added that skills testing is a vital tool for matching employees with suitable jobs and ensuring fair, skills-based pay. It also helps reduce labor turnover, retain skilled workers, and ease migration pressures.
The program targets young people, early school leavers, low-skilled workers, and marginalized groups, aiming to equip them with market-relevant vocational skills to enhance their employment prospects and economic resilience.
It also supports the government's broader efforts to empower women, youth, and self-employed individuals by improving access to quality skills training. A key goal of the program is to test and certify 250,000 individuals nationwide between 2026 and 2030, contributing to the development of a more capable, competitive, and inclusive workforce.
The initiative is expected to boost Laos' socio-economic development by increasing productivity and preparing the labor force to meet the demands of both regional and global markets. - Xinhua