VTESS Phase 2 moves forward with strong milestones

The Vocational Training and Employment Support Services (VTESS) project has entered its second phase, strengthening vocational education and employment opportunities across Laos.

Mr Jean-Gabriel Duss (left) and Dr Dalavone Kittiphan co-chaired the VTESS Central Project Implementation Committee meeting in Vientiane on Thursday.

The Vocational Training and Employment Support Services (VTESS) project Phase 2 started following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2024. Running until November 2027, the project builds on its previous successes while introducing new initiatives.
A key milestone was the Combined Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Central Project Implementation Committee (CPIC) meeting in Vientiane on March 13, 2025. This event concluded Phase 1 and formally launched Phase 2, reinforcing stakeholder engagement at the national and provincial levels.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Jean-Gabriel Duss, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Laos, and the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Dr Dalavone Kittiphan. Representatives of the VTESS project, Swisscontact and other key sectors participated in the meeting.
In her opening remarks, Dr Dalavone Kittiphan expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions. She acknowledged progress despite economic challenges and rising dropout rates, noting that more than 1,186 young people had been supported through vocational training, employment counselling and self-employment initiatives.
She said: “VTESS is a crucial mechanism to address youth dropouts and economic hardships, providing essential support to disadvantaged groups.” She praised the partnership between the Lao and Swiss governments, highlighting its role in poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.
VTESS Phase 2 continues in Oudomxay, Xayaboury, Xieng Khuang, Khammuan and Saravanh provinces, with the addition of Vientiane to broaden its impact.

All the participants gather for a group photo after the meeting.

The project has made significant progress, with 469 trainees enrolling in C1 training, more than 38 percent of whom are women. Among them, 66 have advanced to C2 level in 11 vocational trades.
Gender inclusivity remains a priority, with 7 percent of women trainees enrolling in male-dominated fields and 1.4 percent of male trainees pursuing female-oriented courses. Additionally, 227 trainees have completed Outreach Training, and 177 graduates have joined the Post Training Support (PTS) programme.
VTESS has prioritised coaching and mentorship, with 422 participants completing the Full Coaching Cycle -64 percent of whom are women. Efforts to integrate ethnic minorities continue, with 56 percent of IVET course trainees coming from ethnic backgrounds.
To meet the growing demand for employment services, VTESS has introduced a contextualised version of the Coaching for Employment and Entrepreneurship (C4EE) methodology in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). This initiative will be further localised in 2025 through capacity building and mentoring of local Master Trainers.
Since 2024, the project has focused on capitalisation efforts, ensuring that its most successful components are sustained and expanded until 2027.
Despite significant progress, challenges remain. The Equivalency Programme has seen a high dropout rate of 92 percent, primarily due to its structure and duration. Additionally, delays at the policy level have affected the implementation of the TVET Development Fund.
However, VTESS continues to work closely with stakeholders to refine its approaches and enhance its impact.
With continued support and collaboration, VTESS Phase 2 is set to make a lasting impact, equipping Lao youth with the skills and opportunities needed for a brighter future.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 14, 2025)