What can be done to help new graduates find jobs?

Ms Chan Thammavongsa, a graduate of Champassak University: What the government has been doing so far is good, but more issues need to be addressed, including how the government is going to lower the unemployment rate. I would like to ask the government and other authorities to attract more investments for industries, so that domestic production gets a boost and more people can be employed. If companies hired more young people, this would open up job opportunities for new graduates. I think there should be more training centres that teach specific vocational skills, as these are urgently needed in the current job market.
Ms Souksavanh Phanivanh, a student at the Lao-American College: Employers tend to want people with good qualifications and experience in a particular field. But unfortunately, this rules out young graduates who don’t have any experience. I think it would be helpful for both employees and employers if state bodies and private companies provide more opportunities for graduates by giving them short-term internships. This would enable students to develop their strength in particular skills and allow employers to find the right people to hire. This will help more people find work and I think it will be a win-win situation for both sides.
 
Ms Thaen, a new graduate in Naxaithong district: I would like the government to encourage students to study in particular fields so as to produce a skilled workforce that matches today’s development needs. I think that if the government can reduce the number of older workers it currently employs and open up more opportunities for younger people, this will enable more graduates to get onto the first rung of the job ladder. Another helpful move will be to put young people in touch with foreign companies in the industrial sector in both rural and urban areas, as this will open up the job market.
 
Mr Phan Chanthavong, a student in Xaythany district: I think the government and other bodies should create a special unit to act as a liaison centre between employers and job seekers. In addition, I’d like to ask employers to make it easier for entry-level job applicants by lowering their demands in terms of work experience. They should provide more opportunities to new graduates to show their potential in the workplace, because if they aren’t given that opportunity they will never be able to prove themselves, and this could cause unemployment to skyrocket. The government should consider setting up a website about available jobs because nowadays most people tend to look for jobs online.
 
Ms Mee Sisouk, a new graduate in Xaysatth district: I would like to suggest that institutes, universities and colleges do more to prepare students for the workplace before they graduate by arranging for them to work as interns. This will enable them to get work experience and discuss their situation with people who have more experience. This will boost their chances in the job market, because most employers are looking to hire people with work experience. And the government should try to advertise more jobs on social media, especially Facebook, because today most people look for information online.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 17, 2022)