A Chinese instructor delivers vocational training to participants from Myanmar. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

A week-long training program for Myanmar wrapped up in Yangon on Aug 29, with 42 Myanmar participants receiving certificates of completion.

Textiles and apparel are Myanmar's largest export-earning industry, accounting for more than 60 percent of the country's exports of manufactured goods. Yet a shortage of local technical and management talent has emerged as a major constraint on industrial upgrading. Chinese-invested textile companies are also seeking more skilled local employees, while existing training systems have struggled to meet the demand.

Launched in 2023, the international volunteer program aims to help bridge the skills gap through practical vocational training. The China Textile and Garment Association in Myanmar draws on the resources of its 412 member factories and more than 400,000 Myanmar workers to provide local support and hands-on training opportunities, while vocational colleges in China contribute instructors and courses.

"We are not providing one-off assistance. We want high-quality vocational education resources from China to take root in Myanmar," said Shi Kun, president of the China Textile and Garment Association in Myanmar.

The program's three core courses — digital pattern making, textile quality testing, and international trade in apparel — are designed around the industry's practical needs.

Over the past three years, the program has trained about 300 people. Ko Thet, a participant from Royal Garment in Mandalay, said the training gave him a more systematic and in-depth understanding of pattern making.

He hopes to gain more hands-on experience and professional skills that can be directly applied on the factory floor, while bringing the knowledge back to his company so more frontline workers can benefit from the training.