Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (Ratification: 1984)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Articles 1–5 of the Convention. Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes that the Government reports that the National System for the Training and Self-Training of the Working Class was launched on 24 February 2021, with the objective of creating spaces for the academic training of workers. With a view to defining its course of action, round tables were set up with educational missions and universities and with the involvement of, among other actors, representatives of workers’ organizations and the Meeting Centres for Education and Work (CEET). Technical working groups were also set up in each federal entity to identify the professional and academic training needs of the workers in the different workplaces involved. The Government indicates that the main purpose of these round tables is to develop and implement in practice the objectives related to training established in the agenda of the Presidential Council of the People’s Government of the Working Class. These objectives include: accrediting and certifying the practical knowledge acquired by workers, systematizing the technical innovation projects carried out by workers, accrediting facilitators in workplaces to contribute to the training of their colleagues, and formulating formal and specific educational plans at the national and local levels in areas such as agriculture, fishing and mining. The Committee also notes that the Government reports that, as of 17 December 2021, in various cities 1,418 persons had graduated from training provided by the educational programmes (“missions”) (the Robinson Mission and the Ribas Mission), universities and the National Institute for Socialist Training and Education (INCES). The Government adds that 2,642 workers received an accreditation. It also reports that, as of May 2022, eight innovations had been systematized, and 24 workers had been certified in relation to innovations and/or processes improving productivity in cement, cardboard and food workplaces. The Committee also takes note of the information provided by the Government regarding the number of the persons who took part in the different training programmes implemented by INCES in 2022. Regarding access to training for persons with disabilities, the Government reports that 839 workers with disabilities participated in training and self-training activities between 2021 and 2022. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government refers generally to the implementation through INCES of various collective, comprehensive, continuous and permanent training and self-training programmes for workers.

The Committee notes, however, that the information provided by the Government does not allow an assessment of the impact of the measures adopted in the area of vocational training and guidance on groups of workers in vulnerable situations, such as women, young persons, indigenous or tribal persons and persons in rural areas or remote communities. In this respect, the Committee recalls that Article 1, paragraph 5 of the Convention provides that the “policies and programmes [of vocational guidance and vocational training] shall encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society.” In the same vein, subparagraphs 5(g) and (h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195) refer to the necessity of adopting measures to promote equal opportunities for women and men in education, training and lifelong learning; and promote access to such education for youth, low-skilled people, people with disabilities, migrants, older workers, indigenous people, ethnic minority groups and the socially excluded, and for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government also fails to indicate how it is ensured that workers are free to choose the vocational guidance and training programmes they attend. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the nature and impact of the measures taken to guarantee access to vocational training and guidance for workers, particularly groups of workers in vulnerable situations, such as women, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous or tribal peoples and persons in rural areas or remote communities. In addition, the Committee urges the Government to indicate how it is guaranteed that workers have the freedom to choose the vocational guidance and training programmes in which they participate, in conformity with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with the workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee recalls that for more than ten years it has been requesting the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation is ensured with the social partners and representatives of the private sector in the development and implementation of vocational training and guidance programmes and policies to achieve the objectives of the Convention. The Committee notes, however, that the Government has still not provided any information in this respect. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide specific and detailed information on the manner in which the social partners and representatives of the private sector have been consulted on the development, implementation and follow-up of vocational training and guidance policies and programmes.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

The Committee notes the observations made by the National Union of Workers of Venezuela (UNETE), the Confederation of Workers of Venezuela (CTV), the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions (CODESA), received on 26 September 2018. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

Articles 1–5 of the Convention. Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Cooperation with the social partners. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports the establishment in 2014 of the Office of the Deputy Minister for Education and Work for Freedom, under the auspices of the People’s Ministry for the Social Process of Labour, of which the main function is to propose objectives, policies, plans and strategies for the collective, comprehensive, continued and permanent training and self-training of workers, to be implemented by the different educational missions and universities. The Government adds that the Office has a presence in the different regions through 32 offices, known as education and work drop-in centres (CEET), which implement training programmes with a view to ensuring the inclusion of young people in the social process of work for the purposes of, inter alia, improving their educational conditions and opportunities. In this regard, the Government refers to the establishment in 2018 of the Major Youth Employment Mission, targeting nationals or foreign nationals with ten years of residence in the country, between the ages of 15 and 35 years. Its main objectives include the training of young people in farming and various areas of “cryptoeconomics” and the promotion of a culture of entrepreneurship among young people. The Government indicates that the Major Mission consists of five wide-ranging elements, which include the design and implementation of a training plan in strategic areas to meet food, production and healthcare needs in the country. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government on the programmes developed by the National Institute for Socialist Education and Training (INCES), such as the national programme for the training of apprentices, in the framework of which enterprises with 15 or more workers are required to employ and train apprentices between the ages of 14 and 18 years. The Government adds that the development of a strategic plan for productive training is envisaged, which will be implemented by the INCES. The Committee notes the indication of the workers’ organizations UNETE, CTV, CGT and CODESA that the absence of food security, interruptions in the water, electricity and gas supply in homes and transport issues have had a negative effect on the performance of the school-age population and their regular school attendance. The trade unions indicate that, currently, 38 per cent – four out of ten – of children and young persons between the ages of 3 and 17 years have ceased to attend school for various reasons, including transport issues, power cuts or a lack of food. With respect to young people between the ages of 18 and 24 years, the trade unions observe that 48 per cent – almost half – are not in education. They also emphasize that workers’ reduced buying power limits their and their children’s opportunities to access vocational education and training, and the public education sector is also experiencing staffing issues owing to the emigration of teachers to other countries in search of better living conditions as a result of the situation in the country. Lastly, the Committee observes that the Government has not provided information on the manner in which, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, cooperation is ensured with the social partners and representatives of the private sector in the development and implementation of vocational training and guidance programmes and policies to achieve the objectives of the Convention. Observing that the information provided by the Government only refers to young persons, the Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged with a view to guaranteeing access to vocational training and guidance for men and women workers, particularly vulnerable groups of workers, such as women, persons with disabilities, indigenous or tribal peoples and persons in rural areas or remote communities. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate how it is guaranteed that workers have the freedom to choose the vocational guidance and training programmes in which they wish to participate, in conformity with Article 1(5) of the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide updated information, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the policies and programmes implemented in relation to vocational guidance and training. Furthermore, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide specific and detailed information on the manner in which the social partners and representatives of the private sector have been consulted in relation to the formulation, implementation and monitoring of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes (Article 5).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Collaboration of the social partners. The Committee notes the report received in September 2013 in which the Government indicates that one of the objectives set out in the Second Socialist Plan for the Social and Economic Development of the Nation is building scientific and technological capacities in relation to the needs of the people. Other educational missions include the Knowledge and Work Mission launched in January 2012, aimed at unemployed persons who wish to participate in a training process in the context of a productive occupation. The Government highlights that the Basic Act on labour and men and women workers (LOTTT), issued in May 2012, requires employers to organize technical and technological training courses on the operations of the productive process and to promote the conditions for the comprehensive, continuous and lifelong training of workers in the workplace. The LOTTT also provides for the signing of agreements on lifelong training for workers between employers, workers’ organizations and educational institutions, as well as for the establishment of centres for education and work intended to coordinate training needs with opportunities offered by the education system. The Committee notes that according to the Household Sample Survey of the National Statistical Institute (INE), for the second half of 2011, gender-based disparities exist in the level of education among persons aged 15–30 years. While 39.1 per cent of young men have basic education only, this percentage for young women is only 28.4 per cent. However, while 18.4 per cent of young men have university level education, the proportion of young women university students is 28.2 per cent. Regarding persons 45 years and over, high numbers have completed the lowest level of education for both men and women. The Committee also notes that the percentage of workers occupied in the informal sector, agriculture and in self-employment is higher in population groups with a lower educational level. The Committee invites the Government to include detailed information in its next report on the manner in which, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, the cooperation is ensured of the social partners and of representatives of the private sector with the view to achieving the objectives of the Convention (Article 1(2) to (4)). The Committee invites the Government to attach reports and statistical information enabling it to examine the results achieved in the framework of the various programmes and plans implemented relating to vocational guidance and training and the integration of the beneficiaries in the labour market.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Collaboration of the social partners. In its 2008 observation, the Committee requested the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which employers’ and workers’ organizations collaborate in extending the system of vocational guidance, ensuring effective coordination between initiatives for the provision of vocational guidance and training and the achievement of employment policy objectives. In the report received in September 2010, the Government provides information on progress in relation to training, the activities of the Directorate of Professional and Vocational Training and the vocational guidance services of the employment service. With regard to the National Institute of Socialist Cooperative Education (INCES), the Government emphasizes that work was undertaken for the unification of the various allied courses and that training models were prepared for the certification of learning and knowledge so that beneficiaries could find employment outlets. Since 2009, a vocational skills certification plan has been under implementation in 184 communes. The Government also provides information on the vocational rehabilitation of workers with disabilities. According to INCES data, during the course of 2008 training was provided to 79,237 people, and during 2009 to 96,788 people through the training programmes of the Che Guevara mission, principally targeting the socio-productive vocational training of young persons. In its examination of Convention No. 142 in the context of the 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, the Committee emphasized that consultation with the social partners in both the design and implementation of training policies and programmes is imperative for the full application of Convention No. 142. The involvement of local communities and the private sector, including through public–private partnerships, is key to the successful design and delivery of effective training policies and programmes. The Committee requests the Government to include detailed information in its next report on the manner in which, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, the cooperation is ensured of the social partners and of representatives of communities and the private sector with the view to achieving the objectives of the Convention (Article 1, paragraphs 2–4). The Committee once again requests the Government to supplement the report with extracts from reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, disaggregated by age and gender, etc., on the policies and programmes designed to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for people with special needs, such as young persons, the low-skilled, people with disabilities, migrant workers, older workers, indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups and the socially excluded, as well as for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, the informal economy, the rural sector and in self-employment (Part VI of the report form and Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Cooperation with the social partners. In its previous comment, the Committee noted the activities of the National Institute for Cooperative Education (INCE), which offered continuous training through 21 regional civil associations. The Committee asked the Government to continue to provide information on the vocational guidance activities carried out by the INCE. In its report received in August 2008, the Government reports on the implementation of the Che Guevara Social Mission and the creation of centres of endogenous development which have put in practice a comprehensive plan for vocational training and labour market integration. Based on a new economic model, the aim is to train workers who are facing structural unemployment and young people so that they obtain a job and fully develop their abilities. The Government reports the adoption of the Decree with the rank, value and force of law, dated 15 July 2008, for the promotion and development of small and medium industry and units of social production. The Committee notes that the INCE has been converted into the National Institute for Socialist Cooperative Education (INCES) through the Decree with the rank, value and force of law, dated 14 May 2008. The Committee notes that in the observations received in September 2008 by the Venezuelan Federation of Chambers and Associations of Commerce and Production (FEDECAMARAS), it was indicated that there was no tripartite representation on the Executive Board of the INCES. Employers were obliged to pay a contribution equivalent to 2 per cent of the normal salary paid to the staff working for private individuals or enterprises not belonging to the State employing five or more workers. Workers contribute 0.5 per cent of their annual earnings (sections 14, 15 and 17 of the above Decree). The Committee expressed its conviction in its 2004 General Survey that broad social dialogue is the best guarantee of the effectiveness of employment policies and human resources development. Increased involvement of the representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations is not only essential to ensure the successful implementation of the necessary measures, but can also contribute to improving the quality of social dialogue (see General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment, paragraphs 495 and 437). In accordance with Article 5 of Convention No. 142, policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training are to be formulated and implemented in cooperation with the social partners. The Committee requests the Government to report on the manner in which, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention, it has ensured the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations to extend the vocational guidance system and ensure effective coordination between initiatives to provide vocational guidance and training and employment policy objectives, taking into account the factors mentioned in Article 1, paragraphs 2 to 4, of the Convention. The Committee invites the Government to include reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc., on the policies and programmes designed to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for people with special needs, such as youth, low-skilled people, people with disabilities, migrants, older workers, indigenous people, ethnic minority groups and the socially excluded; and for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment (Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2010.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. With reference to its direct request of 1998, the Committee notes the information in the Government’s report received in October 2003. The Committee refers to the comments it made that year on the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and the Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), the implementation of which is closely related to the measures to be adopted for the development of human resources.

2. The Government provides information on the adoption, within the framework of the Organic Act of December 2002 respecting the social security system, of a system of employment services, including mediation and advisory programmes and services, employment information and guidance and the facilitation of skills training for integration into the labour market. Furthermore, since 1999, the Directorate of Professional and Vocational Training has been responsible for determining the priorities and mechanisms to link vocational and business training and education with the demand and trends in the labour market, development plans and programmes and the most widely sought occupational/professional profiles. In addition, the National Institute for Cooperative Education (INCE) offers continuing training through 21 regional civil associations. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information in its next report on the manner in which policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training are linked with employment and with public employment services (Article 1 of the Convention). Please indicate in particular the number of persons who benefited from the vocational guidance services of the system of employment services and provide more detailed information on the activities of the INCE.

3. The Committee notes with interest the training activities envisaged under the Act (of March 2001) to create, encourage, promote and develop the system of micro-finance. The Government also indicates in its report that the INCE, with the support of the German technical cooperation agency (GTZ), is undertaking a programme for micro-entrepreneurs, the objective of which is to provide an overview of the enterprise and its environment and to develop the skills necessary to achieve competence in the management and/or creation of a micro-enterprise. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide information on the measures adopted to recognize and promote the fundamental role of small and medium-sized enterprises in relation to the training and development of human resources (see also the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189)).

4. In general, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report extracts of reports (for example, by the INCE), statistical data, etc., on the training policies and programmes for population groups requiring special attention in the field of vocational training and guidance, such as young persons seeking to enter the labour market, women heads of household, persons with disabilities and persons over 45 years of age.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes the fact that the tripartite agreement reached in December 1997 will ensure that vocational training and guidance will become the principal means of promoting employment, improving the quality of employment and improving productivity. The Committee refers to its comments on the application of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) and the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and requests the Government to provide in its next report on the application of Convention No. 142 information on the following points:

1. Please provide information on the application of the tripartite agreement of 1997 and on the activities of the INCE to ensure that vocational guidance and training are closely linked to employment, in particular through public employment services, in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

2. Please indicate whether progress has been made in the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph 3, of the Convention.

3. Please provide information on the manner in which systems of vocational guidance (Article 3) are being gradually extended, including data on the application of the Convention to the population groups referred to in Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes the Government's report and the information it contains in answer to its previous direct requests. It would be grateful if, in its next report, the Government would supply detailed information on the practical application of the Convention with particular reference to the following points.

1. In its report the Government mentions a coordinated programme of the INCE and the Ministry of Labour designed to ensure a closer link between education and training programmes and labour market integration structures. Please provide information on the implementation of this programme and on any new measures taken or envisaged to establish a close link between vocational guidance and vocational training and employment, in particular through public employment services, in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes the conclusions of the study on the modernization of the INCE. Please continue to provide information on measures to modernize and decentralize the INCE taken as a result of the study. Please continue to provide statistical data and reports concerning the activities of the INCE.

3. The Committee notes the indications concerning the employment information activities of the National Employment Service. Please also provide information on school and vocational guidance activities for children and adolescents. Please indicate whether progress has been made in the application of the provisions of Article 3, paragraph 3, of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Government indicates that coordination between the INCE and the various ministries concerned is conducted informally. Please indicate how vocational guidance and vocational training are "closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services", as required by Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that a committee composed of representatives from the various ministries and from employers' and workers' organizations, has been asked to conduct a study on the modernization of the INCE. Please provide information on the work of the above committee, its conclusions and, if any, the action taken as a result.

2. The Committee notes the statistical data concerning the implementation of the INCE training programmes according to their type and level. Please continue to provide detailed information on the content of the programmes implemented, stating how they take account of the factors referred to in paragraphs 2-4 of Article 1 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes that the Government's report does not contain the information requested on the effect given to the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention. With reference to its previous requests, it would be grateful if the Government would describe the measures to ensure that children, young persons and adults receive full information and the broadest possible guidance. Please describe the type of information available for this purpose and provide samples of available documentation. Please provide, in particular a copy of the vocational guidance handbook which, according to the 1987 Government's report, was in the process of being prepared.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee takes note of the Government's report received in June 1990 which contains information in reply to its previous direct request. It notes however that the report due in 1991 has not been received and would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information on the following points:

1. The Government indicates that coordination between the INCE and the various ministries concerned is conducted informally. Please indicate how vocational guidance and vocational training are "closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services", as required by Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that a committee composed of representatives from the various ministries and from employers' and workers' organisations, has been asked to conduct a study on the modernisation of the INCE. Please provide information on the work of the above committee, its conclusions and, if any, the action taken as a result.

2. The Committee notes the statistical data concerning the implementation of the INCE training programmes according to their type and level. Please continue to provide detailed information on the content of the programmes implemented, stating how they take account of the factors referred to in paragraphs 2-4 of Article 1 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes that the Government's report does not contain the information requested on the effect given to the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention. With reference to its previous requests, it would be grateful if the Government would describe the measures to ensure that children, young persons and adults receive full information and the broadest possible guidance. Please describe the type of information available for this purpose and provide samples of available documentation. Please provide, in particular a copy of the vocational guidance handbook which, according to the 1987 Government's report, was in the process of being prepared.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes that the Government's report, which was received in May 1988, contains no specific information on the application of the Convention. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 1988 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the first report on the application of the Convention and would be grateful if the Government would supply in its next report detailed information on the following points:

1. In the Ministry of Education paper A Brief Description of the Venezuelan Education System, Caracas 1985, which was supplied by the Government with its report, it is stated that various programmes of training, further training and skills teaching have been implemented through direct action (Ministry of Education and INCE) and indirect action (INAGRO, INAPET, INCATUR, INCATEX, INPROSEG, INCAPEN and INSBANCA). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would describe the results achieved through the direct and indirect action referred to above, and the contents of the programmes that were implemented, and if it would indicate, for each programme, the way in which account was taken of the factors set out in Article 1, paragraphs 2 to 4, of the Convention.

2. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate how effective co-ordination is secured between the Ministry of Education, the INCE and the Ministry of Labour. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would supply, in particular, extracts from reports, studies and surveys, statistics, etc. on the programmes and activities of the INCE.

3. Article 2. The Committee takes note of the provisions of Decree No. 604, of 8 March 1980, under which studies that are successfully completed by students under the National Apprenticeship Programme of the INCE are accredited as being equivalent to those of primary and middle education (the basic and diversified cycles). Please indicate the number of young persons who have been able to enter the labour market as a result of these measures.

4. Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes with interest the common strategy for disabled persons introduced by the Ministry of Labour. Please continue supplying information in this connection. Please also indicate the measures taken to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all children and young persons.

5. Article 3, paragraphs 2 and 3. The Government indicates in its report that it is preparing a vocational guide to occupations. The Committee trusts that the Government will take into account when preparing this guide the relevant provisions of the Convention and that it will supply copies of the guide in the near future.

6. Article 4. Please indicate the impact achieved by the national programme of grant-wages referred to by the Government in its report and the other measures that have been adopted or are contemplated in order to ensure that vocational training systems meet the needs of persons throughout their life, and the requirements of the economy and the various branches of economic activity.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.