Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Egypt (Ratification: 1982)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

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Article 1(1–4) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Government indicates that, as per section 132 of the Labour Code (No. 12 of 2003), the Supreme Council for Human Resources Development presides over drawing up the national policy for human development. The Supreme Council for Human Resources Development is also responsible for setting a national programme for the implementation of the national policy, in collaboration with the competent authorities and ministries, such as the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) and the Ministry of Education and Technical Education (MoETE). The Government adds that the Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Human Resources Development is in charge of facilitating the collaboration between the governates in order to enhance human resources development at a local level. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the concrete measures taken by these bodies to effectively coordinate and closely link the national policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training with employment, in particular through public employment services, as well as information on their impact in relation to securing access to and retention of lasting employment.

Regarding the number of participants in the different governmental vocational guidance and training programmes previously requested by the Committee, the Government reports that: (i) 3,180 persons (2,242 women and 938 men ) from 18 to 40 years of age participated in the transformational training programme; (ii) 118 persons (90 women and 28 men) between 14 and 18 years old participated in the vocational training programmes; and (iii) 6,000 men in the 14–18 age group participated in the vocational on-the-job training programme. Regarding their impact, the Government indicates that 1,320,000 certificates of skill proficiency have been awarded and that many participants have started their own businesses. The Government adds that the MoM is working on studies on the impact of vocational guidance and training programmes on employment access and stability. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated and detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age, sex and region, on the number of participants to the different vocational guidance and training programmes made available by the Government.

Articles 1(5) and 3(1). Equality of access to vocational guidance and training programmes. With reference to its previous comments on how effective access to vocational guidance and training is secured for all workers, including older workers, long-term unemployed individuals, and disadvantaged groups, the Government refers to the “Egypt Is More Beautiful With You” initiative, launched in 2018, which focuses on training and creating job opportunities for persons with disabilities, based on their qualifications and considering the needs of the labour market. The first phase of this initiative was concluded in 2019 and activities for the second phase have been initiated with the aim of accommodating a larger number of persons. While duly noting the above information, the Committee observes that the report lacks information on measures taken to promote effective access to vocational guidance and training for older workers, the long-term unemployed and persons belonging to disadvantaged groups who may require upskilling or reskilling. The Committee therefore asks the Government to supply information in this respect, together with updated information on progress made in ensuring effective access to vocational guidance, training, and lifelong learning for persons with disability. Furthermore, noting that, in 2021, an ILO study conducted in Egypt was dedicated to “ Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) mapping for refugees, asylum seekers and host communities”,the Committee invites the Government to provide information on the way in which it is taking into account the recommendations of the ILO in the 2021 study on “TVET mapping for refugees, asylum seekers and host communities”.

Rural areas. The Government indicates that it is committed to enhancing effective access to vocational guidance and training facilities in rural areas. There are currently 72 training facilities across Egypt, including 27 mobile training units. Under the Decent Life Initiative, these units are distributed to villages and hamlets across the country and three training courses are held monthly in every village. In support of this initiative, the MoM has successfully completed a programme to renovate and upgrade the capacity of the mobile units. To encourage young men and women to take up training, the three top participants in each training course are awarded a sewing machine and a plumbing or electrical toolkit. With regard to empowerment projects and employment support provided to women in rural areas, the Government indicates that several programmes are implemented, such as Rural Women’s Development (7,745 participants across 218 villages), Women’s Training in Development and Population (5,557 participants across 110 villages), Women’s Training in Basic Life Skills (3,053 participants across 78 villages), Developing Women’s Role in Food Production (3,283 participants across 49 villages), Women’s Initiatives (1,960 participants across 16 villages). The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to continue providing information on the manner in which it ensures effective access to vocational guidance, training, and lifelong learning for persons living in rural areas characterized by limited access to training. The Government is also invited to continue providing information on the empowerment projects and employment support provided to women in rural areas. The Committee further invites the Government to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the unemployment rates in the rural areas of Egypt and on the impact of the vocational guidance and training thereon.

Youth employment and training. With respect to the results achieved with regard to vocational training and guidance in the context of youth employment, the Government reports that it is working on expanding the vocational guidance and training programmes for young people to include trainings relating to skills that would make it easier for them to secure job opportunities in Egypt and abroad. In the absence in the report of statistical data on youth unemployment rates, the Committee notes that, according to available ILOSTAT data, the youth unemployment rate in 2021 was 17.6 per cent. Although this figure represents a substantial decrease in youth unemployment compared with 2017 (when it was 29.6 per cent), the Committee observes that it remains more than twice as high as the overall unemployment rate in Egypt. The Committee therefore requests the Government to continue to inform on measures taken to improve the vocational guidance and training programmes for young people, in particular through employment services, taking into account employment needs and opportunities in the country. Furthermore, the Committee invites the Government to provide updated and detailed information, including statistical data, disaggregated by sex and region, on youth employment rates and the impact of the vocational guidance and training thereon.

Women in employment and training. With reference to the measures taken to ensure equal access of girls and women to vocational guidance and training relevant to all economic sectors, the vocational guidance and training programmes are offered to both men and women in training centres, with women making up 70 per cent of graduates. Vocational guidance for women includes programmes tailored to their skills, such as dressmaking, sewing, knitting, arabesque work, weaving carpets and rugs, leather work and domestic appliance maintenance. The Committee notes once again that the vocational training provided for women reflect, in large part, traditional female occupations. In this regard, the Committee notes the 2021 concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/EGY/CO/8-10), in which it recommended that Egypt “address discriminatory stereotypes and structural barriers that may deter women and girls from enrolling in traditionally male-dominated fields of study and career paths, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and information and communications technology education, and ensure that they have equal access to technical and vocational education and training, including in non-traditional fields” (paragraph 34(b)). Regarding vocational guidance tests and their role in ensuring equal access to vocational guidance, the Government indicates that it is developing tests that assess competencies for different occupations without regard to gender. Regarding the projects implemented with the assistance of the ILO to support women’s employment, the Government mentions the Promoting Productive Employment and Decent Work for Women in Egypt, Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territory project, as well as the Decent Work for Women in Egypt and Tunisia programme. With regard to the Gender Equality Unit of the MoM, created to achieve gender equality in the work place and assist women in achieving a balance between work and family responsibilities, the Government reports that it holds monthly workshops which cover topics such as gender equality and the importance of women’s work in rural areas. The Gender Equality Unit also provides resources to women in entrepreneurship. Further, the Government does not provide information on the trends in women’s employment. The Committee notes that, according to ILOSTAT data for 2021, unemployment rates for women are almost three times that of men (16.1 per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively). Moreover, the share of women in senior and middle management positions in 2021 was at 20.5 per cent. The Committee takes due not of the above information concerning the promotion of women’s participation in the labour market. It reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the practical impact of the above measures demonstrating how they have improved girls’ and women’s access to vocational guidance and training, including in non-traditional fields.The Committee further requests the Government to provide updated and more detailed information on the vocational guidance tests used and their contribution to ensuring access to vocational guidance, without discrimination. The Committee also reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed information on the results of the projects implemented with the assistance of the ILO to support women’s employment, as well as to provide information on the impact of the work of the Gender Equality Unit on the promotion of gender equality in employment. In addition, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed updated information on trends in women’s employment, including rates of employment, unemployment, visible underemployment and middle to senior management positions, and the impact of the vocational guidance and training thereon.

Article 3(2–3). Information and documentation for vocational guidance. As regards the impact of the measures taken to raise awareness of the benefits of vocational guidance and training, the Government reiterates that, based on research carried out by the MoM, these measures have led to an increase in the number of graduates and beneficiaries at the training centres. With regard to the documentation available for vocational guidance and the manner in which such information is kept up to date, the Government reports that experts in the field of technical training and industry have developed 36 technology-focused training curricula that are aligned with contemporary technology and skills requirements. The Government adds that the MoM oversees training programmes conducted by private-sector companies that are licensed to provide training. Furthermore, the MoM has activated the training and rehabilitation fund to finance the creation, development, and improvement of training programmes to align with the needs of the labour market. The Committee takes due note of this information and requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the impact of the measures aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of vocational guidance and training.

Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government provides information on measures illustrating ongoing collaboration with the social partners on matters related to vocation guidance and training. For instance, the Government indicates that representatives of employers and workers participated in the creation and implementation of vocational training programmes. With regard to the national strategy for vocational education and training, the Government reports that it is implemented through coordination among multiple ministries and in collaboration with private training centres and institutes. The Committee notes, however, that the report does not provide information on the manner or extent to which the social partners are engaged in formulating the national strategy for vocational education and training. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the social partners are involved in relation to the matters covered by the Convention. The Committee reiterates once again its request that the Government provide information on the involvement of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of the national strategy for vocational education and training.

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

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes closely linked with employment. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to provide information on the manner in which the different measures implemented have contributed to the promotion of access to education, training, and lifelong learning. The Committee welcomes the information provided in the Government’s report concerning the vocational training programmes developed at the training centres attached to the Ministry of Manpower, including the transformational training programme, the vocational upbringing programme, the exceptional training programme, and the step by step occupational programme. The Committee notes that the four-month transformational training programme aims to reduce unemployment by assisting young graduates with intermediate and higher qualifications to obtain additional skills needed due to the changing requirements of the labour market, and that the participants range in age from 18 to 45. The vocational upbringing and step by step programmes also focus on young persons from 13 to 18 and 13 to 17 years of age, respectively, whereas the exceptional training programme does not establish conditions based on age or qualifications. With regard to the manner in which coordination is ensured among the institutions responsible for developing comprehensive and coordinated vocational guidance and training policies, the Government reports that the Supreme Council for Human Resources Development has been revitalized, with the aim of formulating a national policy in coordination with the relevant bodies. In this context, the Committee notes the establishment of other relevant bodies, such as the Executive Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training established by Decree No. 796 of 2014, issued by the Prime Minister. The Executive Council is tasked with the planning and coordination of the technical education and vocational training system at the level of the State’s educational institutions. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of participants in the different vocational guidance and training programmes made available by the Government and, in particular, on their impact in relation to access to lasting employment. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which it promotes effective access to vocational guidance, training and lifelong learning for all workers, including for older workers, the long-term unemployed and persons belonging to disadvantaged groups who may require upskilling or reskilling as a result of the changing needs of the labour market. In addition, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on the activities and functioning of each of the different relevant bodies, such as the Supreme Council for Human Resources Development and the Executive Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, in relation to the coordinated development of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes, and to provide detailed information on the specific measures taken or envisaged to ensure such coordination.

Articles 3 and 5. Vocational guidance. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to provide information on the impact of measures taken to raise awareness of the benefits of vocational training, as well as on the involvement of the social partners in the design and delivery of vocational training and guidance programmes. The Government reports that, according to research carried out annually by the Ministry of Manpower, an increase has been recorded in the number of graduates and beneficiaries of training centres as a result of the vocational guidance and training measures implemented. The Government reports that the number of graduates from vocational training centres has reached 120,505 at the national level. This group includes educational dropouts, those with technical diplomas and those with few or no qualifications. It adds that education and training curricula are developed by the Supreme Council for Human Resources Development through the TVET2 project, taking into account labour market needs. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the vocational guidance tests used in connection with the so-called quick training programmes carried out by the Ministry for boys aged 12–18 and adults aged 18–45. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the impact of measures taken to raise awareness of the benefits of vocational training as well as on the involvement of the social partners in the design and delivery of vocational guidance and training programmes. The Committee further requests the Government to provide information, including disaggregated statistical data, on the use of vocational guidance tests and the contribution of such tests to ensuring access to vocational guidance without discrimination. Noting the Government’s reference to vocational guidance tests for boys and adults, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on the manner in which it provides vocational guidance for girls. The Committee also invites the Government to provide the Committee with more detailed information on available documentation for vocational guidance and to report to the Committee on the manner in which such information is kept up to date (Article 3(2) and (3)).

Youth employment and training. The Government reports that in the second quarter of 2018 the overall unemployment rate in Egypt was estimated at 11.3 per cent. The Committee notes that this figure represents a slight drop in the unemployment rate which, according to available ILOSTAT data, stood at 11.7 per cent in 2017. It notes, however, that the youth unemployment rate in 2017 was 29.6 per cent – more than twice as high. In its previous comments, the Committee invited the Government to provide information on the results achieved with regard to vocational training and guidance for young persons with few or no qualifications and those living in rural areas. The Government indicates that rural regions that are located far away from the existing training centres are served by 13 mobile training units. The Committee notes that, according to the European Training Foundation country report for Egypt, 2019, two out of three young women residing in rural areas (69.4 per cent) are not in employment, education or training, compared with one out of ten young men residing in rural areas (10.5 per cent). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the results achieved with regard to vocational training and guidance in the context of youth employment and reiterates its request that the Government provide information on results achieved in rural areas. The Committee further invites the Government to provide information on the nature and extent of vocational guidance and training available for young women residing in rural areas to address high rates of unemployment and limited access to training. Furthermore, the Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information disaggregated by age and sex on the youth unemployment rates in Egypt and the impact of the implemented projects thereon.

Women in employment and training. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that active measures taken to ensure the participation of women in the labour market include providing vocational training tailored to the needs of the labour market, carrying out economic empowerment projects and providing cultural workshops to women in rural areas. The Committee notes that, according to ILOSTAT data for 2017, unemployment rates for women are almost three times that of men (23 per cent and 8.2 per cent, respectively), while unemployment rates for young women are also significantly higher than those for young men (38.3 per cent and 25.7 per cent, respectively). The Committee notes that the types of vocational training provided for women reflect, in large part, traditionally female occupations, such as sewing, knitting, carpet making and arabesque work. In this regard, the Committee notes the 2010 observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW/C/EGY/CO/7), in which it expressed concern regarding gender segregation in students’ choice of studies. The Government reports that, in collaboration with the ILO and the UN Fund for Equality between the Sexes, the Ministry of Manpower has established a unit aimed at improving the situation of women in the labour market. The Committee welcomes the Government’s report on the implementation of the El Saleheya project in order to alleviate unemployment in the El Sharqeya governorate. The Committee requests that the Government provide updated detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by sex, age and region, on the number of beneficiaries of vocational guidance and training programmes, the type of vocational training provided, and the impact of such training on women’s access to stable employment. It further requests the Government to provide detailed information on the results of the projects implemented with the assistance of the ILO to support women’s employment, as well as to provide information on the work of the unit set up by the Ministry of Manpower and its impact on the promotion of gender equality in employment and occupation. Additionally, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed updated information on trends in women’s employment, including rates of employment, unemployment and visible underemployment. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure equal access of girls and women to vocational guidance and training relevant to all economic sectors and all levels of responsibility, and the impact of such measures on women’s participation in training to enable them to engage in the broadest possible range of economic activities, including in non-traditional occupations. It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on economic empowerment projects and employment support provided to women in rural areas.

Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government provides information on measures illustrating ongoing collaboration with the social partners on matters related to vocational guidance and training. For instance, the Government indicates that it collaborates with civil society organizations and specialized councils in the formulation and implementation of work strategies and plans and the conclusion of agreements with private sector institutions to activate development and training programmes. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide information on the manner or extent to which the social partners are engaged in formulating the national strategy for vocational education and training. The Committee invites the Government to continue to report on its cooperation with the social partners in relation to the matters covered by the Convention. Furthermore, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on the involvement of the social partners in elaborating the national strategy for vocational education and training.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes closely linked with employment. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in August 2013 in reply to its 2009 direct request. The Government indicates that training policies are formulated taking into account the effective needs of the labour market. It adds that the Ministry of Manpower and Migration has adopted several measures, namely: the Quick Training programme, the Vocational Training programme, the Occupational Education programme, and the Gradual Progress in Occupation programme. The Committee invites the Government to provide information illustrating the way in which the different measures implemented have contributed to promote access to education, training, and lifelong learning. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on the efforts being made to secure coordination among the various institutions responsible for developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training.

Article 3. Vocational guidance. The Government reports that the Vocational Training Department at the Ministry of Manpower assists adults in choosing the right occupation and provides information on vocational guidance. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of measures taken to raise awareness of the benefits of training, including information on the involvement of the social partners in the design and delivery of training and vocational guidance programmes (Article 3(1)). The Government is also invited to complete its report with a description and specimens of available documentation for vocational guidance and the manner in which such information is kept up to date (Article 3(2) and (3)).

Youth employment and training. The Government indicates that several measures have been taken for the training of young persons to create small businesses. The Committee notes that, according to the Global Employment Trends 2014 published by the ILO, unemployment among young people has reached around 25 per cent in Egypt. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the results achieved with regard to vocational training and vocational guidance, particularly with regard to young persons with few or no qualifications and those living in rural areas.

Women in employment and training. The Government indicates in its report that it takes active measures to ensure the participation of women in the labour market, including guaranteeing the participation of girls in training programmes. The Committee takes note of the information provided concerning the Salheya Initiative for Women's Economic Empowerment which was initiated in 2010 with financial support from the UN Fund for Gender Equality and which seeks to advance gender equity by enabling women to participate effectively in the economic sphere. The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on the active measures taken to ensure progress in the participation of women in the labour market, including an indication of the number of beneficiaries, the types of vocational training provided, an evaluation of the impact in terms of jobs occupied by women prior to, and following, their education and their participation in various training programmes. Please also provide information on existing ILO women employment projects implemented in the country (Part V of the report form).

Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that the work of the Supreme Council on Human Resources Development has temporarily stopped due to the situation currently prevailing in the country. The Committee notes that, in recent years, a number of Enterprise Training Partnerships (ETP) have been created to assist in improving productivity and competitiveness of companies, as well as to contribute to the development of the national technical and vocational education and training reform. While ETPs’ Boards of Directors are composed of employers’ representatives, who make up two-thirds of the membership, such partnerships do not appear to include workers’ representatives. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report on the manner in which the social partners cooperate in the fields covered by the Convention. In particular, the Committee would welcome examining information on how a national strategy for education and training was defined with the involvement of the social partners.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies closely linked with employment. The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending in June 2008, including detailed information in reply to the 2004 direct request, as well as other documentation sent in November 2008. The Government indicates that training policies take into account the effective needs of the labour market and it lists various programmes on quick vocational training, transitional training, and training for small enterprises. It states that the Ministry of Manpower and Migration was entrusted with the formulation and development of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes through the High Council for Human Resources Development established by Order No. 229 of 26 August 2003. The Committee further notes that the Sixth Five-year Plan for Social and Economic Development (2007–12) aims at raising training levels and implementing national training programmes for graduates through training centre modernization, and providing vocational training for non-technical unemployed workers through advanced training programmes. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information illustrating the way in which the different measures implemented and the action taken by the High Council for Human Resources Development have contributed to promote access to education, training, and lifelong learning. In this respect, the Committee refers to Article 1(1) of the Convention and recalls the close link to be established between the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training and employment, in particular through public employment services. It therefore invites the Government to report on measures taken or envisaged to upgrade employment offices in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skills.

Vocational guidance. The Government reports that the Vocational Training Department at the Ministry of Manpower organizes vocational guidance activities and provides services in order to promote vocational training. A system of vocational guidance has been implemented to help adults choose the right occupation in accordance with their capacities. Other activities and programmes have been organized to help evaluate the capacities of young persons and adults to identify the type of training needed to develop their skills and capacities in a suitable occupation. The Committee also notes that Ain Shams University, the ILO and the European Union cooperate with the Government in this field. The Committee invites the Government to provide data on the impact of measures taken to raise awareness of the benefits of training including information on the involvement of the social partners in the design and delivery of training and vocational guidance programmes (Article 3(1)). The Government is also invited to complete its next report with a description and specimens of available documentation for vocational guidance and the manner in which such information is kept up to date (Article 3(2) and (3)).

Youth employment and training. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate increased from 8.95 per cent in 1996 to 9.72 per cent in 2006 affecting mainly young persons, aged 15–29 years, and new entrants to the labour market. In its report, the Government mentions measures to train young persons to create small businesses. The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report information on the results achieved with regard to vocational training and vocational guidance through the measures taken to promote youth employment, particularly regarding young persons with few or no qualifications and those living in rural areas.

Women in employment and training. The Government indicates in its report that all training programmes promote the education and training of women without any discrimination. The Committee asks the Government to include in its next report detailed information on the active measures taken to ensure progress in the participation of women in the labour market, including an evaluation of the impact in terms of jobs occupied by women prior to, and following, their education and their participation in various training programmes.

Article 5. Cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. In reply to the previous direct request, the Government refers to section 7 of Order No. 229 of 2003 by which the High Council for Human Resources Development will establish local councils for the development of human resources. The Committee invites the Government to specify how the social partners cooperate in the fields covered by the Convention through the High Council for Human Resources Development, both at the national and local levels. In particular, the Committee would welcome receiving information on how a national strategy for education and training was defined with the involvement of the social partners. It would also welcome receiving information on a guiding framework for training policies at the national, regional, local, sectoral and enterprise levels, including measures such as encouraging firms to provide training to their employees.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in July 2003, which includes information in relation to its 2002 direct request. The Government sends information on the creation of four vocational training centres attached to the Ministry of Manpower. It also enumerates the programmes that are made available to interested persons (basic training, quick training, vocational upbringing, transitional training and vocational promotion). The Committee asks the Government to inform it of any progress achieved in adopting and developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training closely linked with employment (Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention). Please provide updated information on the provision of continued access to education and training for young persons and adults in employment and on the initiatives taken to encourage the vocational training of women with an indication of the type of training followed and their percentage within the total number of participants.

2. Article 5. The Committee notes with interest that a local council for the development of human resources and vocational training presided over by the competent governor has been established at the local level. A managerial board has been set up for each centre composed of representatives of employers and trade unions. The Committee would like to have at its disposal further information on the activities of the local councils on the matters covered by the Convention.

3. The Committee again asks the Government to supply any extracts, reports or other available data relating to the implementation of programmes of vocational training, targeting specific areas or particular branches of economic activity, or specific population groups. The Government might consider it useful to refer to its 2004 General Survey on promoting employment and to the provisions of the recent Human Resources Development and Training Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

1. The Committee notes the information forwarded by the Government in August 2000 in relation with the 1999 direct request. It notes that under a five-year plan projects were undertaken for improving and modernizing training services. The Committee would appreciate receiving information in the detailed government report due for 2003 on the success of these measures in fulfilling the objectives of Article 1 of the Convention.

2. Article 3. The Government indicates that vocational training programmes for adults are offered through the various programmes carried out by the vocational training centres. Small projects for young unemployed and for workers laid off in the process of privatization are also encouraged, together with the Social Fund for Development. There are 772 vocational centres at the national level.

The Committee requests the Government to provide further details on the programmes carried out by the vocational training centres with a view to ensuring that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all young persons and adults.

3. Part VI of the report form. The Committee again requests a summary of the information available in relation to studies and measures which have been taken on training inputs, efficiency of training programmes as well as on trainees and the suitability of training programmes vis-à-vis the labour markets. Please provide extracts of reports, studies and statistics on the practical application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report for the period ending September 1998. It notes in particular the numerous projects the Government has undertaken to extend and improve its services. These include developing and modernizing some centres; establishing an information base to help people choose a profession and training taking into consideration market demand; and creating an employment agency to aid employers in recruiting, particularly of young people. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of the outcome of these projects.

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government's report does not indicate any plans to extend vocational training to adults. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report its future plans pertaining to extension of vocational training to adults, as specified in Article 3 of the Convention.

The Committee also notes the Government's statement that trainees are supervised during training and after graduation, and that studies are undertaken to measure the competence of graduates and the efficiency of the training programmes, as well as to evaluate the suitability of training programmes vis-à-vis the labour market. The Committee would be grateful to receive a summary of these findings, if available, as well as extracts of other reports, studies, surveys and statistics on the practical application of the Convention, when they become available, as requested under Part VI of the report form.

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

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in answer to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on the following points in its next report.

1. The Committee notes that vocational guidance tests designed specially for adults have been established for use in vocational training centres. Please continue to provide information on any new measures to extend and develop the adult vocational guidance system.

2. The Committee also notes the indications concerning the vocational guidance provided during training. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would state whether information on general aspects of labour law, in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 3, of the Convention, is provided under the vocational guidance system.

3. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the accelerated vocational training programmes and to supply any available evaluation of these programmes, particularly as regards the integration of trainees into the labour market.

4. Lastly, with reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide any available extracts of reports, studies, surveys or statistics to enable it to ascertain better the practical effect given to the Convention (Part VI of the report form).

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

The Committee notes the Government's report and the information supplied in reply to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information in its next report on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the information concerning the progressive extension of the vocational guidance system to adults. The Government states that a programme of vocational guidance intended to give access to adults aged between 18 and 45 years to vocational retraining programmes has been introduced on an experimental basis for graduates from universities and middle-level institutes. Please give details on the implementation of this programme and indicate whether it is envisaged that the programme will be pursued on a permanent basis and extended to all adults.

2. The Committee recalls that under the terms of Article 3, paragraph 3, of the Convention, vocational guidance and information on employment provided to the persons concerned shall be supplemented by information on general aspects of collective agreements and on the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour law. Please indicate the manner in which such information is provided, taking into account the respective functions and tasks of the workers' and employers' organisations concerned.

3. The Committee notes the information concerning the development of accelerated vocational training programmes for the retraining and integration into the labour market of graduates of universities and of higher and middle-level institutes. Please continue to supply information on the measures that have been taken in order to ensure that educational, university and vocational training systems are complementary, taking into account the needs, possibilities and problems relating to employment.

4. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply the information and statistical data that are available concerning the effect given in practice to the Convention (Part VI of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

The Committee notes the Government's report. It would be grateful if the Government would supply additional information on the following points.

1. The Committee notes the efforts made by the Government and also the difficulties encountered in setting up vocational guidance offices in all the regions of the country. It notes in particular that few young persons endeavour to undertake vocational training and that a very substantial number of young persons are absorbed by the labour market into activities requiring no training. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the measures taken to develop open, flexible and complementary systems of vocational education, guidance and training, in the terms of Article 2 of the Convention. It also hopes that the Government will continue to endeavour to extend progressively its vocational guidance and continuing employment information systems. Please indicate in the next report any extensions that have been made to the vocational guidance system during the period under consideration (Article 3).

2. The Committee notes that the type of information referred to in Article 3, paragraph 3, is not intended to cover collective agreements specifically dealing with vocational guidance, but that it relates to the general aspects of collective agreements and the rights and obligations under labour law of all concerned. Please indicate the type of information available in this respect.

3. The Committee notes the information supplied on the adaptation of vocational training systems to the needs of individuals and the economy (Article 4). It also notes the information supplied regarding the creation of new training centres, particularly within the context of the First Five-Year Plan. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue supplying information on the development and evaluation of systems of vocational guidance and training. It also requests the Government, in accordance with point VI of the report form, to supply any information and statistical data available concerning the application of the Convention in practice (for example, the annual report on the labour force prepared by the Higher Council for the Development of Human Resources and Training, referred to by the Government in its last report).