Business Advisory Council

The Business Advisory Council (BAC) and its companion on-the-job training programme grew out of a United Nations Development Programme-funded project with technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), to foster the socio-economic reintegration of landmine survivors. WRF and ILO’s introduction of the BAC model for the involvement of the employer community in the placement and training of people with disabilities is greatly enhancing the effectiveness of vocational training programs and the National Centre of Disabled Persons (NCDP) job placement program in Phnom Penh. These efforts are also assisting people with disabilities to gain independence.

Local business representatives have volunteered their time and knowledge in this effort spearheaded by WRF and ILO and working with NCDP on the formation of the BAC. This project has stimulated a great increase in employment opportunities for people with disabilities as well as improved job placement services at the National Centre of Disabled Persons and vocational training programs at Mary Knoll-Wat Than. The direct advice offered to Wat Than is ensuring that skills taught are relevant to the needs of industry. Additionally, the BAC is able to express the interests of employers and the type of skills they seek in potential employees—information that strengthens NCDP’s work in preparing job seekers in their database for real world opportunities.

Since January, 2001, the Business Advisory Council activities have resulted in:

    • At least 150 job placements for landmine survivors and others with disabilities as:
         • Accountants
         • Customer Service Representatives
         • Garment Factory Workers
         • Administrative Assistants
         • Computer Operators

    • At least 60 on-the-job training placements for landmine survivors and
      others with disabilities.

    • MaryKnoll Wat Than Training Center receiving contracts from British American
      Tobacco and Nestlé Dairy for students to make employee uniforms.

    • An increased awareness about the abilities of workers with disabilities among
      employers, as well as other workers.

    • BAC members sending experts in various fields to the Wat Than Training Center
      to talk to the trainees about employer expectations.

The BAC is currently identifying additional vocational training centers to support and advise.

For more details on the Business Advisory Council: