Skills development for inclusive and sustainable growth in developing Asia-Pacific

As countries in Asia and the Pacific recalibrate their growth models to consolidate their positions in the global economy, availability of a highly skilled and technically qualified human resource base will be a crucial determinant of success. This publication compiles valuable contributions to advance thinking and practice related to skills development in the Asian-Pacific region.

Findings include:

• education and skills development are crucial to achieving inclusive growth and sustainable green growth
• specifically, countries with a youthful demographic profile need to consider strategies that would improve job prospects for young adults, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET)are key part of such strategies
• therefore, skills development for employability has been identified as a priority area for educational policy and practice in Asia-Pacific
• however, a number of countries are yet to ensure adequate harmonisation of skills and training policies with economic and industrial policies

Recommendations are as follows:

• countries need forward-looking skills policies so that appropriate occupational skills are available to fast-growing and emerging sectors of the economy
• skills training policies need to be augmented with labour market and social protection policies to redress the obstacles to workforce participation, increase employment, and reduce vulnerability of employment
• a conducive regulatory environment is needed for private sector players to occupy a legitimate space for financing and providing skills training
• industry support is required in the design and delivery of a responsive and diversified skills training program that focuses on applied learning
• specialised strategies for skills training for small and medium enterprises is required to increase employment prospects for workers in the informal sector
• advocacy and support systems for vulnerable groups to participate in labour markets should be considered