Empowering Youth and Migrant Workers in Battambang: A Provincial Employment Forum

Strategic Insights -

In Battambang, a province in Cambodia known for its robust labour force participation rate and strong economy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training organized a provincial employment forum to address the current labour market needs, particularly for youth, jobseekers, persons with disabilities, returning migrant workers, and other vulnerable groups. The forum was a unique platform for over 1,000 attendees, including migrant returnees, youth, and young persons with disabilities, to interact with renowned national and international companies, institutions, and training providers on employment prospects and capacity building initiatives. The event marked a significant step towards ensuring that young people and migrant workers have access to decent employment opportunities and social security benefits for a seamless integration into the economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, in collaboration with the ILO, organized a provincial employment forum in Battambang, Cambodia to share information on recruitments, training opportunities, internships, volunteer programmes, and scholarships currently on offer across various sectors.
  • The forum aimed to address current labour market needs, particularly for youth, jobseekers, persons with disabilities, returning migrant workers, and other vulnerable groups, with over 1,000 attendees interacting with national and international companies, institutions, and training providers.
  • Battambang province stands out for its numerous enterprises and diverse workforce potential, as well as its important role in aiding the government with job placement and the effective reintegration of returning migrants into the local labour market.
  • The forum featured pre-employment training sessions covering tips on job search, such as preparing CVs, cover letters, and performing well in job interviews, as well as disseminating information on youth rights and responsibilities at work.
  • The provincial employment forum was organized by the National Employment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, with the support from the ILO, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People's Republic of China (MOHRSS).

Statistics:

  • Battambang province has a total population of 997,169, accounting for 6.4% of the population of Cambodia.
  • The province has a robust labour force participation rate, with 76% of individuals aged 15 and above actively engaged in the workforce.
  • Battambang stands out for its numerous enterprises, with 49,748 businesses employing approximately 121,845 individuals.
  • The province's economic strength stems mainly from various industries such as services, agricultural processing, and manufacturing.
  • Despite comprising two-thirds of the population, young people under the age of 30 still struggle with limited access to high-paying jobs.

Sources:

  • International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • National Employment Agency of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
  • Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
  • General Population Census of the Kingdom of Cambodia
  • Socio-Economic Census of Cambodia 2022