Skills Development and Employment

SDC Laos

Carpentry students at a vocational skills training college in Phongsaly, Lao PDR.
Carpentry students at a vocational skills training college in Phongsaly, Lao PDR. © SDC/Touravanh

Switzerland aims to improve the quality of skills provision and its relevance to employers and labour market needs. Ultimately, the goal of this domain is to increase the number of women and men, in particular those from disadvantaged groups, who enroll in vocational education and training and who then access gainful and decent employment and self-employment. To this intent, Switzerland also cooperates with stakeholders to strengthen the regulatory framework and delivery systems, including for informal skills provision. Throughout, Switzerland promotes private sector involvement.

SDC worldwide

Children in a classroom in Burkina Faso in 2011
Children in a classroom in Burkina Faso in 2011 ©SDC/Nicole Gantenbein

Education means independence, improving chances of finding paid employment and an escape route from poverty. The SDC champions the right to education of the poorest and most disadvantaged, opening the door to their economic, political and social empowerment.

The SDC's worldwide engagement