Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Cambodia: A critical analysis of students’ employability and capabilities at the high diploma level

Abstract

This thesis examines Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the high diploma level within the higher education paradigm in Cambodia. Objectives – The objectives of this study are two-fold. First, to explore motivations, experiences and challenges faced by students and graduates undertaking high-diploma study in the Cambodian public TVET institutions, and second, to broaden the narrow notion of employability, by assessing the current definition and offering an alternative one. Methodology/approach - This study adopts a qualitative approach by using two key methods: semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions. It targets six groups of stakeholders: students, graduates and instructors at three TVET institutions and representatives of governmental officials, development partners and employers. Theoretical frameworks – This study critically investigates employability and capabilities acquired through the two-year programme of study from the human capital theory’s and capabilities approach’s lens. Findings – The key findings of this study are experiences that students and graduates gained through a two-year programme of study. The variety of subjects incorporated in the curriculum of the three participating institutions, part-time job opportunities and internship programmes help shape their experiences rich of employability skills – skills for work and skills for life. A few capabilities can be secured such as the capability to be financially independent, the capability to aspire and others. Regarding students’ motivations to undertake TVET pathway, financial factors, guidance from the family and relatives, employment prospects and their previous academic performance are all contributory factors. The study, moreover, identifies that there are three levels of challenges occurring in Cambodian TVET system, ranging from national, institutional to individual level which this study compares as economic and social unfreedoms. Lastly, the findings present interesting gender dimensions which included women’s motivations, challenges and benefits. Advice from family is seen as a big influence on women’s decision to choose this pathway. The challenges faced by female students include an inability to acquire practical skills and a difficult transition to the field of work. However, they also enjoy benefits such as scholarship offers. Keywords - Cambodia, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Employability, Capability, Human Capital, High Diploma