Cambodia looks to Germany’s dual training model to strengthen workforce skills

FRANKFURT, Feb 13, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia is turning to Germany’s dual vocational training system as it seeks to upgrade workforce skills and safeguard competitiveness following its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

After attending an OECD forum in Paris on due diligence in the garment and footwear sector, Labour Minister Heng Sour on Friday led a Cambodian delegation to the headquarters of Germany’s GIZ development agency in Frankfurt.

The visit focused on Germany’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, particularly its work-based learning approach, which combines classroom instruction with structured on-the-job training.

During talks with Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, chair of GIZ’s management board, both sides reaffirmed longstanding ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in labour policy, social protection and vocational training. Officials said skills development will be critical for Cambodia as it transitions beyond LDC status and seeks to maintain export competitiveness and attract higher-value investment.

German experts briefed the delegation on projects supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), highlighting how the dual training model aligns education systems with industry needs while improving employability.

Cambodian officials said the German model could serve as a blueprint for strengthening industry-linked training programmes at home, particularly in manufacturing and other priority sectors, as the country moves toward a more diversified, skills-driven economy.