Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) (Ratification: 1984)

Articles 1–5 of the Convention. Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes that the Government reports that the National System for the Training and Self-Training of the Working Class was launched on 24 February 2021, with the objective of creating spaces for the academic training of workers. With a view to defining its course of action, round tables were set up with educational missions and universities and with the involvement of, among other actors, representatives of workers’ organizations and the Meeting Centres for Education and Work (CEET). Technical working groups were also set up in each federal entity to identify the professional and academic training needs of the workers in the different workplaces involved. The Government indicates that the main purpose of these round tables is to develop and implement in practice the objectives related to training established in the agenda of the Presidential Council of the People’s Government of the Working Class. These objectives include: accrediting and certifying the practical knowledge acquired by workers, systematizing the technical innovation projects carried out by workers, accrediting facilitators in workplaces to contribute to the training of their colleagues, and formulating formal and specific educational plans at the national and local levels in areas such as agriculture, fishing and mining. The Committee also notes that the Government reports that, as of 17 December 2021, in various cities 1,418 persons had graduated from training provided by the educational programmes (“missions”) (the Robinson Mission and the Ribas Mission), universities and the National Institute for Socialist Training and Education (INCES). The Government adds that 2,642 workers received an accreditation. It also reports that, as of May 2022, eight innovations had been systematized, and 24 workers had been certified in relation to innovations and/or processes improving productivity in cement, cardboard and food workplaces. The Committee also takes note of the information provided by the Government regarding the number of the persons who took part in the different training programmes implemented by INCES in 2022. Regarding access to training for persons with disabilities, the Government reports that 839 workers with disabilities participated in training and self-training activities between 2021 and 2022. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government refers generally to the implementation through INCES of various collective, comprehensive, continuous and permanent training and self-training programmes for workers.

The Committee notes, however, that the information provided by the Government does not allow an assessment of the impact of the measures adopted in the area of vocational training and guidance on groups of workers in vulnerable situations, such as women, young persons, indigenous or tribal persons and persons in rural areas or remote communities. In this respect, the Committee recalls that Article 1, paragraph 5 of the Convention provides that the “policies and programmes [of vocational guidance and vocational training] shall encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society.” In the same vein, subparagraphs 5(g) and (h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195) refer to the necessity of adopting measures to promote equal opportunities for women and men in education, training and lifelong learning; and promote access to such education for youth, low-skilled people, people with disabilities, migrants, older workers, indigenous people, ethnic minority groups and the socially excluded, and for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government also fails to indicate how it is ensured that workers are free to choose the vocational guidance and training programmes they attend. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the nature and impact of the measures taken to guarantee access to vocational training and guidance for workers, particularly groups of workers in vulnerable situations, such as women, young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous or tribal peoples and persons in rural areas or remote communities. In addition, the Committee urges the Government to indicate how it is guaranteed that workers have the freedom to choose the vocational guidance and training programmes in which they participate, in conformity with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with the workers’ and employers’ organizations. The Committee recalls that for more than ten years it has been requesting the Government to provide information on the manner in which cooperation is ensured with the social partners and representatives of the private sector in the development and implementation of vocational training and guidance programmes and policies to achieve the objectives of the Convention. The Committee notes, however, that the Government has still not provided any information in this respect. The Committee therefore urges the Government to provide specific and detailed information on the manner in which the social partners and representatives of the private sector have been consulted on the development, implementation and follow-up of vocational training and guidance policies and programmes.