Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - El Salvador (Ratification: 1995)

Articles 1 and 5 of the Convention. Policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training. Youth employment. Cooperation with the social partners. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training developed and conducted by the El Salvador Vocational Training Institute (INSAFORP), and the manner in which the cooperation of the social partners and other interested bodies is ensured. The Committee also requested the Government to indicate how effective coordination is ensured between the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training conducted or financed by INSAFORP and the Public Employment Service. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, through the National Employment System, of which INSAFORP is an integral part, vocational training programmes are coordinated with the needs identified by the users of the public employment services. In particular, the Government refers to the implementation of professional training programmes for unemployed young persons aged between 16 and 25 years, which comprise systematic and comprehensive training measures that are closely linked to the needs of the productive sector. The Government adds that these training measures aim to equip participants with the technical, social and attitudinal skills and knowledge that will allow them to improve their employability or develop their entrepreneurial spirit. The training measures include courses and programmes in the areas of administration, information technology, business, industrial manufacturing, electrical work, hospitality and automotive and industrial mechanics. The Government also indicates that these training courses are free of charge for the participants. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government in its report in relation to the various training activities formulated and implemented by INSAFORP between 2015 and 2017. In this regard, the Government refers, inter alia, to the implementation of the “Youth Pathways” programme, which aims to promote the labour integration, entrepreneurship and access to education of young people aged between 18 and 25 years in situations of economic or social vulnerability, who have been exposed to violence, have not completed their studies and are not in work or education. Furthermore, an electronic platform has been developed that enables users to access vocational training programmes. Lastly, the Government indicates that, according to statistical information from INSAFORP, during the above-mentioned period, 562,594 workers participated in continuous training activities and 350,430 persons (women, young persons and persons in situations of vulnerability) in basic training activities. The Committee observes, however, that the Government fails to include in its report information on how it ensures collaboration with the social partners and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and training programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated and detailed information on the impact of the programmes and policies implemented in relation to vocational guidance and training, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the coordination of education and vocational training policies with employment policies and, specifically, on how it is ensured that the training offer is coordinated with the demand for knowledge and skills and the changing landscape of the labour market. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the cooperation of the social partners and of other interested bodies is ensured in the formulation and application of the vocational guidance and training programmes.