Focused on the Philippines and Thailand, the new ILO initiative will deliver green and digital skills training to young people, supporting a sustainable transition in ASEAN’s construction sector.
MANILA (ILO News) – A new International Labour Organization (ILO) initiative will accelerate the transition of Southeast Asia’s construction sector towards sustainability, while equipping young people with the skills needed to power this change and enhance their employability.
Supported by the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme, the Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN project was officially launched on 26 June 2025 in Manila, the Philippines.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to equip our youth with the digital and green skills they need to transform the construction sector, ensuring it remains a powerful engine for decent jobs, sustainable development, and a just future for all,” said Undersecretary Carmela Torres, Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), during her keynote address.
As one of ASEAN’s largest and most labour-intensive industries, the construction sector is both a key driver of growth and a significant contributor to emissions. However, it faces pressing challenges including low productivity and difficulties in attracting skilled young professionals, making the adoption of smart construction technologies and sustainable practices essential for its future growth difficult.
To meet this need, the project will develop and implement industry-led training and apprenticeship programmes focused on green and digital construction skills in the Philippines and Thailand. Through collaboration with governments, employers and workers’ organizations, it will ensure that training is demand-driven and aligned with real industry needs. A special focus is being placed on strengthening apprenticeship programmes in line with the new ILO Recommendation No. 208 on Quality Apprenticeships, ensuring young people not only gain skills, but also secure pathways into meaningful work.
“We must invest in young people’s skills to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for the construction industry across the region,” stressed Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines. “This initiative supports that vision by equipping youth with the tools they need to thrive in the construction industry of tomorrow. We are grateful to the Government of the Republic of Korea for their invaluable support in making this possible.”
The project will run until December 2026. It will be implemented in close collaboration with the governments of the Philippines and Thailand as well as employer and worker organizations in both countries. It will also engage the ASEAN Constructors Federation (ACF) for regional level activities to facilitate the adoption of the digital and green training programmes at ASEAN level. With the adoption of regionally-recognized skills programmes, the project aims to contribute to skills mobility in the region.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment,” said Shin Hochul, Chief Technical Advisor of the ILO/Korea Partnership Programme. “By leveraging Korea’s experience and innovation in skills development, we aim to support ASEAN countries in building a future-ready workforce for a more sustainable construction sector.”
