In its first year of implementation the VEFF project awarded financial support to a total of 13 DCT projects. The training activities started in October 2020 and are carried out in 8 vocational and technical schools and colleges and 50 partner enterprises. From Luang Prabang in the north to Champasak in the south a total of 303 trainees (97 of them girls and young women) are learning 10 different professions, ranging from hotel operator to aircon technician and heavy machinery maintenance technician.

Under the dual-cooperative approach theory is taught at vocational schools and colleges whereas the major part of practical training takes place directly in partner enterprises. This establishes close relations between trainees and enterprises right from the start of the training thereby increasing the chances for employment of the young experts.

Ten of the projects are financed by the German-funded VEFF project and the remaining three in the hospitality and tourism sector getting support form the Skills for Tourism Project jointly financed by Luxembourg and Switzerland.