Regional Skills and Employability Programme for Asia and the Pacific (SKILLS-AP)

Context

Skills development to enhance employability is an area of vital importance to countries in Asia and the Pacific. Many of the countries are finding it increasingly difficult to respond to the skills needs of their workforce in a time of increasing globalization, new technology and changing patterns of work. Many countries have severe shortages of skilled labour due to the out-migration of skilled workers, an ageing workforce or simply the lack of capacity to provide training. Training programmes are often out of date and do not meet the needs of industry. Training that is available is not always equally available to all sectors of the community.

While there are many challenges, there is also a lot that can and is being done. Many of the ILO member countries in the Asia Pacific region are establishing or upgrading their national skills development systems. Increasing emphasis is being placed on improving the linkages between employers and training organizations. Partnerships are being supported to reduce the mismatch between the skills being developed and those needed for employment. Innovative programs are focusing on training and job creation for young people. Special emphasis is also placed on to improving access to skills development and employment for people with disabilities and the many millions who will never have an employment contract but who still need employability skills to get decent work.

Regional Skills and Employability Programme for Asia and the Pacific (SKILLS-AP)

SKILLS-AP has established a Regional Network of partner organizations which includes government agencies, employers’ and workers’ organizations, NCVER, SEAMEO VOCTECH, the Colombo Plan Staff College and a number of training organizations and institutions.

SKILLS-AP supports and promotes the sharing of resources and technical expertise together with its partner organizations. In April 2008, Regional Skills Network member countries made a commitment to share information and expertise through a range of practical activities and programmes through SKILLS-AP. This online portal has been developed to support the building and expansion of a Community of Practice within the region.

Support for Disability

SKILLS-AP is also the regional focal point for supporting people with disabilities. Activities in this area include:

• Supporting the inclusion of disabilities into mainstream skills development of TVET programs;
• Promoting the ILO Convention on Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons)UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• Liaising with ILO disability specialists in Geneva and with disability organizations within the region;
• Maintaining the AbilityAsia website which includes a database on laws and other resources;
• Support and advice for government agencies, national and international NGOs and disabled persons organizations;
• Training to help people generate incomes