Professional Skills Development in Cambodia – Improving employment pathways for graduates in technical sectors
On 26th January 2017, EWB's Professional Skills Development project ran a Link & Learn workshop in Phnom Penh in collaboration with WaterAid and Royal University of Phnom Penh.
Practitioners from the WASH sector from organisations such as The World Bank, Ministry of Rural Development, Agile Development Group, CEDT, ITC University, World Vision and students and teachers from RUPP's Department of Geography and Land Management kicked off the first workshop to address how the WASH sector in Cambodia can come together to help improve the capacity of practitioners and university graduates in obtaining meaningful employment.
The workshop coordinated by EWB's Fatima Shehata explored the current curriculum taught in university (related to WASH) and challenges faced by students in accessing practical experience to enhance the effectiveness of the technical knowledge they learn in the classroom.
The group identified that the sector could improve the capacity of students and graduates if they are supported to gain experiential learning and professional work experience opportunities during their studies. Such support services could include, work-readiness and English training, mentoring, an internship coordination body, participation in design challenges to improve critical thinking etc.
It was so inspiring to see the level of engagement from the WASH sector and desire to nurture the next generation of young leaders to improve the development of the country.
By Monica Chong