Phnom Penh: Major unions in Cambodia have expressed their satisfaction and full support for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, which helps former Cambodian workers who returned from Thailand by recognizing their skills and experience from abroad into official national certificates, making it easier for them to find jobs, earn decent salaries, and have opportunities for advancement.
Mr. Sam Soeun, president of the National Union of Cambodian Workers, told reporters at the National Technical Training Institute (NTTI) that he supports the government’s move, led by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, to launch the RPL program to help former Cambodian workers who returned from Thailand.
He said that this program is very important because it issues certificates of proficiency through competency-based assessment, recognizing previous studies, providing opportunities for former Cambodian workers who are currently working and skilled workers who are not yet employed to receive official recognition of their skills, abilities or qualifications.
The union leader stated that: “The RPL program It is really important for our former Cambodian workers because in the past they had worked in real jobs, had experience, and had clear skills, but their skills have not yet been recognized. So, in order for their skills and experience to become official skills, they have to come and take the test, and those of us who are interested, please come and take the test to receive a certificate recognized by the Ministry of Labor.
Mr. Kong Athit, President of the Cambodian Confederation of Labor (CLC), said that he was satisfied with the program, considering the RPL program to be flexible and easy to strengthen. Or change skills to meet the actual needs of the current job market.
He stated: “We all know that in the past we used to have a skills recognition program like the one the Ministry of Labor is implementing, but now the Royal Government as well as the Ministry of Labor have paid attention to creating this RPL program. I think this program is very targeted because most of our former workers from Thailand only have knowledge, skills, and experience, but they don’t have any certifications. So, in this situation, it is a golden opportunity for us.”
Mr. Kong Athit called on former Cambodian workers who returned from Thailand to come and take the RPL test more often to make it easier for them to find jobs, earn higher salaries, and for those who are already employed, have the opportunity to be promoted.
A former Cambodian worker who came to take the RPL test, Mr. Sok Hach, said he had been working as a construction worker and electrician in Thailand for three years, working with many foreign experts and learning about installing electrical systems in buildings, factories and other construction sites.
He said that the skills he brought back to Cambodia did not have any certification documents, which made it difficult for him to find work locally. He received this news from a friend who received a certificate of proficiency from RPL and advised him to register for the RPL test because there was no fee.
He said: “I have been working in Thailand for 3 years, but the work is not as easy as working in our country, and the income is not as high as our local job. Now I have received another certificate, which will make it easier for me to find a new job and can earn a higher income.”
Following the high recommendation of Samdech Thibhotei Hun Manet and to participate in developing skills as well as encouraging former Cambodian workers from Thailand to receive official recognition of their skills, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has organized a free assessment of previous skills recognition in 8 professions in the construction sector starting in April 2026.
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