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Dual Apprenticeship Training Opening Doors to a Better Future

Myanmar
25.11.2019
On the 24th of November 2019, the graduation ceremony event of the first dual apprenticeship training, implemented by the Vocational Skills Development Program (VSDP) in Myanmar, was held in Meliá hotel.

The VSDP implements dual apprenticeship training for cooks and agricultural machinery mechanics based on the Swiss dual training approach over an 18-month period. The off-the-job training concentrates on strengthening core technical skills, as well as life skills. The majority of the training, in particular the practical technical skills, is provided on-the-job by private sector partners under the supervision of an in-company trainer.  

Representatives from Government Institutions, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and private sector companies as well as the family members of apprentices attended the ceremony to share in the success of the apprentices. 

U Nay Myo Zaw, the Senior National Programme Officer from the SDC, delivered the opening remarks, mentioning the benefits that dual apprenticeship training offers for learners, employers and government through the cooperation and involvement of both government and the private sector. He stated that the SDC, in partnership with Swisscontact, is delighted to be facilitating this pioneering approach.  

  

The congratulatory speech for apprentices was delivered by Ms. Sabine Roth, Team Leader of the VSDP, and highlighted the support of the partner companies in the success of the dual apprenticeship training through the provision of in-company training, salary and subsequent job opportunities for the apprentices. Ms. Roth also expressed her appreciation to the families of the apprentices, for supporting them in their paths towards realising their dreams during the 18-month period.  

Representing the voice of the private sector was Mr. Antonio Langella, National Aftersales Manager, New Holland Agriculture (part of Yoma Group). He emphasised the need of skilled employees in Myanmar for the inclusive economic development of the country and his hopes were more private sector companies support initiatives like the dual apprentice training, together tackling the skills needs of the labor market.  

Dr. Pyay Kyaw Thu, the Deputy Director of the Department of Vocational Education and Training, Ministry of Education delivered closing remarks, recognising and appreciating the engagement of the SDC, Swisscontact and private sector partners in revitalising the synergistic approach towards improving the vocational education system in Myanmar. 

Special awards were presented to the top 3 achievers in each of the two occupations. As a major achievement, over 90% of the apprentices will continue working as full-time employees for the companies in which their on-the-job training took place. 

Following the success of the pilot run, the second intake of dual apprenticeship training for both cook and agricultural machinery mechanics took place in 2019. Currently, two Government Ministries and 22 private sector companies are supporting the dual apprenticeship training. Due to increasing demands from partner companies and apprenticeship applicants, the Program will offer more than one intake per year for the existing occupations and has plans to expand to cover more occupational areas based on labour market demand.