In the coming decade, millions of jobs must be created to accommodate both the currently unemployed and the influx of new entrants into the labour market. Simultaneously, industries face a shortage of skilled workers, as existing training programmes often fall short of meeting market demands. Additionally, many older workers require retraining to adapt to evolving industries influenced by globalisation and technological change.

To address these challenges, CEMCA’s initiatives in the Skills sector emphasise lifelong learning through upskilling, reskilling and competency development. The organisation partners with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, spanning secondary to tertiary levels, to promote equitable and inclusive access to skill development in Commonwealth Asia. The focus is on providing quality digital content to empower youth and marginalised communities, including women, girls, and persons with disabilities, with vocational skills that lead to improved employment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities. CEMCA also focuses on making TVET aspirational for the youth and mainstreaming it among the skilled and semi-skilled workers in addition to advocating for the recognition of prior learning.

Strategic Focus Areas (2021-2027)

During the 2021-2027 Strategic Plan period, CEMCA’s focus areas in the Skills sector include:

• Promoting Open and Distance Learning (ODL), Open Educational Resources (OER) and Blended Learning approaches in teaching and learning processes in TVET institutions.
• Capacity building of TVET teachers and faculty members to use ODL, OER and blended learning approaches in teaching and learning practices.
• Strengthening institutions to extend access to quality skills training and employment-oriented lifelong learning opportunities.
• In collaboration with partner organisations, developing and offering quality gender-responsive micro-credential courses, and other resources including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to enhance employability.
• Promoting innovation in TVET through emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Through these efforts, CEMCA envisions a transformative impact—empowering individuals with skills for sustainable livelihoods, fostering economic growth, and contributing to inclusive development across Commonwealth Asia.