Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Ecuador (Ratification: 1977)

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

Articles 1–5 of the Convention. Education and training policies and programmes. Collaboration with the social partners. The Committee notes with interest the adoption in 2018 of the first National Training Agenda, which is aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National development plan Toda Una Vida (throughout life) 2017–21. The Agenda is a planning instrument which coordinates the various activities relating to training and certification of labour skills with the aim of promoting improved business competitiveness by increasing worker productivity and reducing the employability gap. The Agenda includes three components relating to: the democratization of certification and training for human talent, sustainable entrepreneurship based on skills development, and increased productivity through skills-related training and certification. The fundamental principles of the Agenda include egalitarian access to occupational skills training and certification for men and women and for priority groups, such as persons with disabilities, older persons and persons deprived of freedom, so that they can have access to decent, quality jobs. The Committee observes that numerous actors are involved in the formulation and implementation of the Agenda, such as the private sector, regional entities and various national institutions. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Ecuadorian Vocational Training Service (SECAP) designs and implements training programmes on the basis of identified demand in the labour market and new labour trends. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report regarding the processes followed to devise training opportunities provided by SECAP such as the use of tools to collect reliable and relevant information to determine enterprises’ training needs. The Government indicates that SECAP training courses are given on an in-person basis in its 27 centres in 24 provinces of the country and also in virtual format through the Moodle platform. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that between 2016 and 2021 a total of 285,730 persons received training and 275,630 individuals received certification for occupational skills. However, the Committee observes that the Government does not provide information on the labour market integration of persons who took part in training or reviewed their certification. As regards collaboration with the social partners, the Government indicates that the development of personal qualification profiles of the National Qualifications Catalogue (CNCP) entails the active participation of, inter alia, employers, workers, trade unions, associations, actors in the popular and solidarity economy, public entities and the academic sphere. The Government also indicates that 24 agreements have been concluded between SECAP and various enterprises and social organizations in the private sector aimed at promoting public access to training services. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed, up-to-date information on the nature, scope and impact of the various vocational education and training policies and programmes, including statistical information, disaggregated by age and sex, on the integration in the labour market of persons who took part in these programmes. The Committee also requests the Government to continue sending detailed, up-to-date information on the manner in which it is ensured in practice that training opportunities are matched with knowledge and skills demand, and with the changing landscape of the labour market. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed, up-to-date information on the manner in which collaboration is ensured with the social partners and other relevant bodies concerning the formulation, implementation and monitoring of vocational education and training programmes, including in the context of the implementation of the National Training Agenda.

Training and certification processes. National qualifications framework. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that labour skills certification enables people to obtain a certificate to back up their knowledge and skills in a specific productive activity, regardless of their training. The Government indicates that the CNCP occupational profiles are used as inputs for labour skills training and certification processes and adds that skills are updated constantly. The Government also states that the certification process is carried out through 257 conformity evaluation bodies (OECs) recognized by the Under-Secretariat for Vocational Qualifications at the Ministry of Labour, which use the CNCP profiles and its certification schemes and evaluation instruments. The Committee also notes the statistical information provided by the Government on the number of training courses given in various areas. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that between 2016 and August 2021 a total of 275,630 labour skills certificates were issued (22.19 per cent of participants were women, 0.76 per cent had an impairment and 0.37 per cent were foreign nationals). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing detailed, up-to-date information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of persons participating in training programme and skills certification processes. The Committee also requests the Government to supply information on the measures adopted or envisaged, in collaboration with the social partners, to expand vocational training programmes and skills certification processes, so that these cover all branches of economic activity and are adapted to people’s changing needs throughout life, as well as to the current and anticipated requirements of the labour market and of the various branches of economic activity.

Vulnerable groups. The Committee observes that, according to the statistical information provided by the Government, the participation of vulnerable groups, such as women, persons with disabilities, migrants, indigenous people and rural workers, in training and certification programmes is fairly low in relation to the total number of participants. In this regard, the Government indicates that the training and certification processes do not exclude persons in situations of vulnerability. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that SCEAP has established a discount for training courses for persons in situations of vulnerability, such as persons with disabilities, persons deprived of freedom, persons with chronic disadvantages, older persons, pregnant women and young persons between 15 and 18 years of age who have not completed their schooling. According to the statistical information provided by SECAP, between 2019 and 2021 a total of 1,238 persons (704 women, 534 men) in situations of vulnerability took part in SECAP training courses. The Committee requests the Government to continue sending detailed, up-to-date information on the nature, scope and impact of the various vocational education and training policies and programmes adopted with the aim of promoting access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with specific needs, in accordance with Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195). The Committee also requests the Government to continue sending up-to-date statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of participants in the various vocational education and training programmes.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Articles 1 to 5 of the Convention. Education and training policies and programmes. Collaboration with the social partners. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the results achieved through the implementation of vocational guidance and training policies and programmes. It also requested the Government to supply information on the manner in which the cooperation of the social partners was ensured in the formulation and implementation of those policies and programmes. The Committee notes with interest the adoption in October 2016 of resolution No. SECAP DE 011 2016, which sets out the Regulations on vocational training and certification. Under section 2 of the Regulations, an evaluation stage is included among the various stages of the training and certification processes, which consists of assessing the participants’ level of satisfaction, the quality of the training and certification processes, and the degree to which the processes help to improve the participants’ living and working conditions. Under section 3 of the Regulations, the training and certification activities carried out by the Ecuadorian Vocational Training Service (SECAP) must be coordinated with national public policies on labour skills in order to feed into the labour retraining and reintegration processes, and refresher and add-on knowledge courses. The Committee also notes the reforms introduced in October 2017 to Executive Decree No. 860, through which the National Vocational Training and Qualification System was established. Under this Decree, principles and standards have been established to promote and develop public inter-sectoral policies on training, and recognition and certification of qualifications for, inter alia, self-employed persons and employees, and public servants. The Government indicates that, according to statistics of SECAP, between 2015 and 2017, 95,609 people participated in the training processes. The Committee notes, however, that the Government does not provide the disaggregated information requested on the number of participants in each of the different training processes, nor on the manner in which the cooperation of the social partners is ensured in the formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide up-to-date and detailed information, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the various policies and programmes that have been implemented on vocational guidance and training. The Committee also reiterates its request that the Government provide detailed information on the manner in which collaboration is ensured with the social partners and other relevant bodies concerning the formulation, implementation and monitoring of vocational guidance and training programmes. Lastly, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the coordination of vocational training and education policies with employment policy and, specifically, on the manner in which it is ensured in practice that training opportunities are matched with knowledge and skills demand, and with the changing scene of the labour market.

Certification processes. National qualifications framework. The Committee notes that section 12 of Executive Decree No. 860 provides for the establishment of a National Qualifications Catalogue, which will consist of a set of skills that can be certified and identified, strategies and guidelines for the design and structuring of curricula, and occupational standards for the certification of qualifications and the evaluation of the skills linked with the qualifications listed in the Catalogue. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the overall objective of SECAP is to establish formal skills recognition through the labour skills certification process, thereby contributing to the professionalization of workers. To achieve this objective, a proposal is being drawn up to calculate targets for certification processes based on the national labour system, at both territorial and sectoral levels. The Government adds that, in preparing this proposal, it has identified the number of eligible persons at the national level who can access the labour skills certification process in the job profiles provided by SECAP, as well as the proportion of those persons employed at national and provincial levels. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government relating to the different skills profiles certified by SECAP and the targets to be achieved regarding the number of persons assessed in sectors such as communications, construction, metalworking, textiles, trade and sales. The Government indicates that in 2018, an assessment target was set for 14,000 persons, of whom it is expected that over 11,600 will obtain certification. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information, including statistical information disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of persons participating in the skills certification processes. The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures adopted or envisaged, in collaboration with the social partners, to broaden the vocational training systems, including vocational certification processes, in order to cover branches of economic activity that are not currently addressed and ensure that these systems are adapted to people’s changing needs throughout life, as well as to the current and forecasted requirements of the labour market and the various branches of economic activity.

Groups in vulnerable situations. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the results of vocational training and guidance policies and programmes that dealt particularly with groups in vulnerable situations. The Committee notes that section 11 of Executive Decree No. 860 stipulates that the training provided by SECAP must include programmes for groups who are excluded from accessing quality jobs, formal education and private training, such as priority target groups, actors in the popular and solidarity economy, the under-employed, self-employed and unemployed, and must contribute to labour retraining and reintegration. The training must also cover those areas, sectors and territories where no private training is provided. With respect to persons with disabilities, the Government states that an agreement was signed between SECAP and the Ecuadorian National Council for Persons with Disabilities (CONADIS), whose objective is to provide a multiple-use space to enable organizations working with this priority target group to develop alternative training activities and access vocational training programmes. Further, the Government refers to the implementation of the project “Solidarity Stores”, led by SECAP jointly with the Guayas prefecture, in the context of which the “Tools for Entrepreneurship” workshop was carried out. Nevertheless, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide information on the results of vocational training programmes and policies aimed at groups in vulnerable situations. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and updated information on the various vocational guidance policies and programmes adopted or envisaged with a view to promoting access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with special needs as referred to in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195). In this connection, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the training offered to groups in vulnerable situations, such as persons with disabilities, consists of separate programmes or inclusive training. The Committee also requests the Government to provide updated statistical information, disaggregated by sex and age, on the number of participants in the various programmes and the impact of such measures.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2014 which includes information relating to previous comments. The Committee notes with interest that article 139 of the Constitution that has been in force since 2008 establishes the principle whereby the State will promote training in order to improve the quality of employment and self-employment initiatives and access to them. The Committee notes the reform of the national vocational training system introduced by Executive Decree No. 680, which came into force in March 2011. Through this Decree the Vocational Training Advisory Council was set up as a body involving the participation of workers, employers and representatives of the public sector. The Government also refers to the instruments that regulate the national vocational training policy, including the “National Plan for Good Living 2013–17”, the “Agenda for Productive Change” and the “Social Development Agenda”. The National Plan for the Vocational Training of Human Talent in the Productive Sector 2013–17 groups together vocational training policies and programmes, including for the establishment of centres for the promotion of production that provide vocational training, various mechanisms for the funding of vocational training programmes, campaigns for encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in vocational training for employees and mobile classrooms run by the Ecuadorian Vocational Training Service (SECAP) to provide training for historically neglected areas. In addition, it is planned to evaluate the impact of vocational training policies so that their results are taken into consideration when formulating employment policies. According to the Government’s report, a total of 35,406 persons belonging to priority target groups attended vocational training courses given by SECAP. The Committee refers to the comments it made in 2013 on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122). The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information in its next report on Convention No. 142 on the results achieved through the implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes, including up-to-date statistical information on the beneficiaries of the implemented measures. The Government is also requested to supply information on the manner in which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations is assured in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes.

Vulnerable groups. The Committee notes that the National Plan for the Vocational Training of Human Talent in the Productive Sector 2013–17 envisages the implementation of vocational training programmes free of charge for persons belonging to priority target groups. In addition, funding facilities are envisaged for vocational training courses aimed at young persons between 18 and 29 years of age, workers belonging to indigenous peoples and women heads of household. The Committee invites the Government to include information in its next report on the results of vocational guidance policies and programmes that deal particularly with vulnerable groups as referred to in Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its comments formulated in 2008, which read as follows:

Repetition

Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the report received in September 2008 which includes appendices and information on the objectives laid down in the “Social agenda for equity and quality in social services”. The Government indicates that in 2007, a total of 2,936 training courses were provided for 39,071 participants. In addition, 83,900 participants from vulnerable categories of workers were trained by means of 4,252 courses. Provision has been made for the establishment of a new National Vocational Training System, using parameters relating to territorial equity and analysis of inadequacies in training facilities for the most vulnerable in relation to the design of courses geared to their needs. The Committee refers to its observation of 2008 on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), in which it noted the intention to link the supply of labour training to the National Plan for Economic Inclusion. The Committee hopes that, at its next examination of the application of Convention No. 142, updated information will be available illustrating the way in which the vocational guidance system has been expanded and effective coordination has been ensured between the initiatives to provide vocational guidance and training and employment policy objectives, taking account of the factors mentioned in Article 1(2)–(4) of Convention No. 142. The Committee requests the Government to continue sending copies of reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc., on policies and programmes intended to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for people with special needs, such as young persons, low-skilled people, people with disabilities, migrants, older workers, indigenous people, ethnic minority groups and the socially excluded, and also for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment (Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training. The Committee notes the report received in September 2008 which includes appendices and information on the objectives laid down in the “Social agenda for equity and quality in social services”. The Government indicates that in 2007 a total of 2,936 training courses were provided for 39,071 participants. In addition, 83,900 participants from vulnerable categories of workers were trained by means of 4,252 courses. Provision has been made for the establishment of a new National Vocational Training System, using parameters relating to territorial equity and analysis of inadequacies in training facilities for the most vulnerable in relation to the design of courses geared to their needs. The Committee refers to its observation of 2008 on the application of the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), in which it noted the intention to link the supply of labour training to the National Plan for Economic Inclusion. The Committee hopes that, at its next examination of the application of Convention No. 142, updated information will be available illustrating the way in which the vocational guidance system has been expanded and effective coordination has been ensured between the initiatives to provide vocational guidance and training and employment policy objectives, taking account of the factors mentioned in Article 1, paragraphs 2 to 4, of Convention No. 142. The Committee requests the Government to continue sending copies of reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc., on policies and programmes intended to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for people with special needs, such as young persons, low-skilled people, people with disabilities, migrants, older workers, indigenous people, ethnic minority groups and the socially excluded, and also for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment (Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee has taken note of the Government’s report received in September 2005 and the detailed information it contains on the legislation and institutions in the field of vocational training and guidance. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee asks the Government to supply additional information on the application in practice of the Convention, in particular with regard to the following points.

1. Article 1, paragraphs 1 to 5, of the Convention. Close link between vocational guidance and training measures and employment and equal opportunities. The Government indicates that in recent years, the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources has signed various inter-institutional agreements concerning employment and training issues. The Committee notes that these agreements, which are regulated and coordinated by the National Council for Professional Training (CNCF), are attached to the Government’s report. The Government further indicates that, for the purpose of extending occupational training and the employment service, it has developed an “Urgent Ecuador Action Employment Plan 2005-2006”, which gives extensive coverage to employment and occupational training programmes. The Government also mentions the first stage of a pilot programme to train workers in 3,000 micro-enterprises with the ILO technical assistance. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide updated information on the implementation and results achieved through the various positive measures undertaken in order to further develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government could provide in its next report information on measures taken or envisaged in order to encourage women to develop and use their capabilities for work in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility.

2. Article 3. Vocational guidance policy. The Government indicates that the training of vulnerable groups is one of its priorities and it has identified young persons as one of the groups in greater need of assistance. It has thus included a special project entitled “Youth for Youth for Work” within its Urgent Action Plan for Employment. While noting the information on the development of systems of vocational guidance, the Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the measures adopted to ensure that comprehensive and updated information and the broadest possible guidance are made available to all children, young persons and adults, including appropriate programmes for all disabled persons.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. In a brief report received in September 2003, the Government indicates that comprehensive policies and programmes are being carried out in the field of vocational guidance and training under the Ministry of Public Education, the Ecuadorian Council of Universities and Polytechnics and the Ecuadorian Vocational Training Service. The Committee refers to its direct request of 1998 and hopes that the Government will indicate the manner in which effective coordination is secured and in which the programmes implemented by the above institutions are linked with employment and with the public employment services (Article 1, paragraphs 1 to 4, of the Convention).

2. The Committee once again requests information on the extension of vocational training systems (Article 4), including data on the population groups most affected by the labour market situation (in this respect, see the comments made on the application of Convention No. 122).

3. When preparing its next report, the Government may consider it useful to refer to the General Survey of 2004 on employment promotion and the provisions of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195), adopted by the 92nd Session of the Conference in June 2004.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2005.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

1. The Committee takes note of the Government's report which contains information on the activities of the Ecuadorean Vocational Training Service (SECAP). The Committee refers to its comments on the application of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) and the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), and asks the Government to indicate in its future reports the manner in which policies and programmes of human resources development are linked to employment and public employment services (see Article 1, paragraphs 1-4, of the Convention).

2. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its future reports information on the manner in which its systems of vocational guidance (Article 3) are being gradually extended, including information on the population groups referred to in Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes the detailed information supplied by the Government on the activities of the Ecuadorian Vocational Training Service (SECAP) during the biennium 1988-90. It notes with interest the emphasis given during that period to the training of workers in the informal sector and it requests the Government to continue to supply information on the implementation of the National Plan of People's Training. The Committee also notes the coming into force of the Act of 1991 on free zones, which provides that licensed enterprises should ensure training to their employees. It would be grateful if the Government would supply information in its next report on the results achieved through the application of these provisions, in addition to that requested in respect of this matter under Convention No. 122.

With reference to its previous requests, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the effect given to the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention, with an indication of the measures which ensure comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to all children, young persons and adults. Please describe the type of information available for the purposes of vocational guidance and supply examples of the documentation available.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

1. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government concerning the activities of the Ecuadorian Vocational Training Service (SECAP). The Government states that the middle-school centres, which are under the control of the Ministry of Education, are responsible for vocational guidance. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the way in which information concerning educational opportunities, the employment situation and employment prospects is kept up-to-date with a view to providing effective vocational guidance (Article 3 of the Convention).

2. The Committee also refers to its comments concerning Convention No. 122, and requests the Government to continue supplying detailed information on the measures that have been adopted and the progress achieved in the provision of vocational training and guidance adapted to the employment needs of the country (Articles 1 and 4). The Committee would be grateful in particular if the Office were supplied with extracts from reports, studies and inquiries, statistical data, etc., regarding training policies and programmes in certain sectors and branches of activity and for certain population groups referred to in Parts V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 1975 (point VI of the report form).

3. The Government refers in its report to the technical assistance and loans received from various governments and international organisations, including the ILO. In this respect the Committee requests the Government in its next report to indicate the activities undertaken as a result of the technical co-operation for which the ILO has been the executing agency, as required by point V of the report form.