QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Vocational Education and Training PHASE II
QUARTERLY
NEWSLETTER QUARTER IV - 2016
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
GOVERNMENT
OF MONGOLIA

Table of content
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
ONE. NATIONAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES ARE
CONDUCIVE FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT 5-9
1.1 Seminar on “Stimulating the policy initiatives for youth employment promotion and
startup businesses at local level” 6
1.2 Seminar to facilitate discussions on “Draft programme for supporting employment of
disabled people” among technical secretariat and NGOs 7
1.3 Seminar on “Promoting local policy and initiatives addressing youth employment and
startup businesses” 8
1.4 Meeting of inter-ministerial working group on development of national youth
employment promotion programme 9
TWO. EFFECTIVE EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE
PROVIDED TO YOUNG PEOPLE 10-17
2.1 Training-seminar for local coordinators of the YEP Project 11
2.2 Training-seminar for Heads of local Labour and welfare service offices and divisions 12
2.3 Training on capacity building of members and staff of local employment sub-councils and
Training-seminar on ‘Supporting local policy and initiatives in field of employment’ 13
2.4 Training-seminar on “Labour market information: local partnership” 14
2.5 Training on “Quantitative and Qualitative assessment on Labour market demand” 15
2.6 Training on career guidance for counselors from Aimag/District Labour and Social Welfare
Divisions and selected TVET schools 16
2.7 Workshop on implementation of ILO conventions #88 and #181 17
THREE. YOUNG PEOPLE OPERATE INNOVATIVE START-UPS WITH GROWTH POTENTIAL 18-23
3.1 Capacity building and experience sharing training-seminar for Business Incubator Center 19
3.2 Pilot programme to support youth start-up business in Bayankhongor province and
Khan-Uul district of Ulaanbaatar 20-21
3.3 Training-seminar with Directors of VET schools and Polytechnic Colleges 22
3.4 Consultative meeting on supporting youth start-up business 23

PROJECT OUTPUTS
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
PROMOTION PROJECT
Phase II
Funded by Project
PHASE II
BUDGET
CHF
2.400.000
Duration
2018
DECEMBER
2016
JANUARY
possibility of additional 1 year extension
Project
beneficiaries
Youth and
graduates from
VET schools
Young start-ups
PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS
Ministry of Labour and
Social Protection
Labour and
Welfare Service
Agency
Local labour and welfare
service offices
/departments
Employers
organizations
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
MACRO LEVEL
Assist in refining and improving
policies for youth employment
MESO LEVEL
Improve labour services
directed to local youth
MICRO LEVEL
Develop start-up businesses led
by innovative young entrepreneurs
ONE.
NATIONAL POLICIES AND
PROGRAMMES ARE
CONDUCIVE
for youth employment:
Youth employment policies are
formulated and submitted for approval.
The employment promotion programme
for youth is optimised.
Steering mechanisms used for the
implementation of youth policies and
program are result-oriented.
TWO.
EFFECTIVE EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
are provided to young people:
Approach, processes and instruments
of employment services are optimised.
Staff capacities in delivering
employment services are optimised.
Local cooperation and private sector
partnerships are strengthened.
THREE.
YOUNG PEOPLE OPERATE
INNOVATIVE START-UPS
WITH GROWTH POTENTIAL:
Financial support schemes for selected
start-ups are piloted.
Business development service
providers deliver quality services to
selected start-ups.
Mentoring and alumni networks
support the young start-ups.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT GOAL
Related NGO’s
Business start-ups &
Business Incubation Centers

Executive summary
In the reporting period, the total of 785 people consisting of 409 women and 376 men have attended the
project activities organized in Ulaanbaatar and project target provinces. The key achievements in three
major components are noted below in highlights.
Component ONE
The first draft of national youth employment promotion programme was developed and discussed by the
working group and the revised version of it submitted to the ministry;
Draft of the “Youth start-up support program” to be implemented by the Employment Promotion Fund was
developed.
Component TWO
Design of youth employment service model was developed;
Capacity building and training activities were conducted for local employment sub-councils. Discussions
were facilitated to coordinate activities of employment institutions;
A team for conducting local labour market demand survey was formed, related training was organized in
Darkhan-Uul province, and study works were launched;
Capacity building training activity was organized for Labour and welfare department/office staff and VET
school career guidance counselors;
Capacity of labour and welfare service department/office heads, labour division heads, and project, pro-
gram managers was strengthened.
Component THREE
The local start-up business support program model was developed. The model is based on thorough
assessment of current start-up business and entrepreneurship situation in Mongolia, analysis of interna-
tional best practices for supporting start-up businesses and review of activities being implemented by the
government and non-government institutions in support of start-up business.
Training activity was organized for Business Incubator Centers and Business De-
velopment Centers operating under VET schools, polytechnic colleges in project
target provinces and districts of Ulaanbaatar to strengthen their capacity and en-
hance their operations;
Guidelines and manual for establishing BICs and providing business incubator
services were developed;
Training and events to support youth start-up businesses were
conducted in Bayankhongor province and Khan-Uul district of
Ulaanbaatar. The champion start-ups were awarded with grants
in financial support.
4

5
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
ONE
.
NATIONAL POLICIES AND
PROGRAMMES
ARE CONDUCIVE FOR YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT

6
ONE.NATIONAL POLICIES AND
PROGRAMMES ARE CONDUCIVE
FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
The seminar was structured as a mutual learning event around the following content:
Introduction of the goal, objectives, activities and plans of the YEP project;
Consultation on integrating youth employment project initiatives into the agenda and activities of the local
employment councils and the state administrative agencies (SAA);
Introduction of the existing policies, laws and regulations, rules, procedures pertinent to promoting youth
employment and supporting start-up businesses;
Introduction of the national employment committee and the local employment councils, their activities, aims
and objectives;
Discussion on improving policies on youth employment promotion, supporting local start-up business pro-
gram and initiatives, discussion on potential efforts to be taken by the provincial and district level citizens’
representative khural and governors.
2016.09.30
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
27 people (9 female, 18 male)
Stimulate the policy initiatives for youth employment promo-
tion and start-up businesses at the local level, support for
potential collaboration and partnership
The seminar was attended by the deputy governors of Bayank-
hongor, Bayan-olgii, Govi-Altai, Darkhan-Uul, Zavkhan, Om-
no-govi, Uvs and Khovd aimags as well as Bayangol and
Khan-Uul districts of Ulaanbaatar city, and representatives of
the partner organizations and the project implementing unit.
SEMINAR ON “STIMULATING THE POLICY INITIATIVES
FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION AND START-UP
BUSINESSES AT LOCAL LEVEL”
Feedback from participants: Participants also made following suggestions:
1.1
ÇÓÐÀÃ
Acknowledgments were made by the participants for the organization of a highly informative seminar
at the right momentum.
1.1
Key concerns expressed by the participants:
Major concerns expressed were with regard to the lack of au-
thority on selection process for micro loans; the age restric-
tions as well as the year of the graduation which potentially
restrict the participation of youth; lack of potential for SME
growth at local level; poor operations of employers’ associ-
ations at local level; lack of information on start-up business
support, and availability of business mentors.
Participants also made following suggestions:
Suggestions made by the participants: Consider expanding the
target aimags for the support; facilitate advocacy on attitude
and behavior change at local level; consider the possibility of
announcing the 2017 as the Year of Employment in Govi-Altai
aimag; promote the use of outsourcing employment at local
level; coordinate activities with other donor funded projects in
the area of employment.
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:

7
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
Assign a sign language interpreter during orientation sessions, provide technical advice
and assistance to aimag and district Labour and Social Welfare offices and divisions on
labour market information and job placement services;
Provide support in establishing a Research center for disabled people; and mobilize the
efforts of disabled people NGOs for monitoring and evaluation of program performance;
Improve the enforcement of the legal provisions with regard to access to support for
micro businesses, family businesses and small loans to disabled people;
Allocate certain percentages of the SME development fund for supporting employment
of disabled people.
The minutes of the sub-working group meetings are available upon request for
more information on the suggestions and recommendations provided by the
participants.
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
The following major issues were covered by the training:
Presentation of an activity report of the “Draft program for supporting employment of disabled people”;
Information on funds provided by the Employment Support Fund, international projects and other sourc-
es;
Information on youth employment, employment support programme, and related international best prac-
tices;
Introduction of the program activities planned for 2017;
Collection of feedback from the Technical Secretariat, NGOs and individuals working to protect the
rights of disabled people, their opinions regarding the program goal, scope, activities, expected results,
indicators and outcomes.
2016.11.24
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Facilitate discussions on a draft “Pro-
gram for supporting employment of disabled
people”.
The seminar was attended by the members of the
Technical Secretariat, representatives of the related
NGOs and the public.
SEMINAR TO FACILITATE DISCUSSIONS ON
“DRAFT PROGRAM FOR SUPPORTING EMPLOYMENT OF
DISABLED PEOPLE” AMONG TECHNICAL
SECRETARIAT AND NGOs
Outcome:
1.2
Outcome:
A sub-working group has been established
with the aim to improve programs and ac-
tions supporting employment of disabled
people. The sub-working group is com-
posed of specialists of the Employment
Policy Implementation and Coordination
Department of the Ministry of Labour and
Social Protection, specialists of the Human
Development Authority and representatives
of the Association for Disable People and
relevant NGOs. The working group has
conducted four meetings to refine the con-
tent of the draft program and discuss future
activities. The following comments were
provided by the participants:

8
ONE.NATIONAL POLICIES AND
PROGRAMMES ARE CONDUCIVE
FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
The content of the seminar included:
Sharing opinion and discussion on potential efforts for integrating activities of the Youth employment
promotion project to the agenda and activities of the local parliaments;
Introduction of the current tendencies in employment sector, the National employment council and re-
lated international practices;
Facilitating discussion on initiatives of local programs and activities, draft resolutions of the aimag,
district Citizen representative khurals and Governors.
2016.11.28
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Promote local policies and initiatives addressing youth employment,
start-up businesses, and development and support of cooperation
and partnership.
The seminar was participated by the representatives of the Ministry of
labour and social protection, heads of the local citizen representative
khurals (local parliament) from selected aimags and districts, and the
Mongolian Employers’ Federation.
SEMINAR ON “PROMOTING LOCAL POLICY AND
INITIATIVES ADDRESSING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND
START-UP BUSINESSES”
Outcome:
1.3
The participants have agreed on the following key points:
Support measures for developing local initiatives and programmes to promote youth employment and business
start-ups tailored to local context;
Facilitate cooperation and partnership among local stakeholders to effectively implement the local youth em-
ployment and start-up business promotion initiatives, e.g. promotion of initiatives during the local Parliament
meetings in December 2016;
Explore additional financing opportunities for promoting local initiatives.

9
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
The seminar was structured around the following main content:
Outcome:
1.4
1) Introduction of the goal, objectives, activities and plans of the YEP
project;
2) Update on the current situation and trend of youth employment,
related challenges and opportunities;
3) Discussion on the priority elements of the national youth employ-
ment promotion program, and approaches for ensuring coordination;
4) Sharing international know how and best practices on reflecting
youth employment and start-up business promotion initiatives into
national development, macroeconomic and sector specific policies
as well as private sector support policies; and
5) Consultation on the issues to be addressed by the national program
and plans on supporting youth employment and start-up businesses
as well as coordination, monitoring and evaluation mechanism.
Key recommendations pertinent to the
macro level policy:
Improve public-private partnerships; spec-
ify target group of the programme; define
objectives by the demand and supply side
respectively;
Use other sectoral statistics and data; de-
fine start-up business promotion directions
based on annual assessment and evalua-
tions of the previous years;
Promote employers supportive for start-up
businesses; support internships of young
people applying a wage subsidy for em-
ployers.
Key recommendations concerning
monitoring and evaluation of the
national programme, outcome criteria,
and a steering mechanism:
Cabinet office of the Government of Mongo-
lia as the main monitoring body should be
in charge of general monitoring and eval-
uation and assessment; and the Ministry of
Labour and Social protection should be in
charge of the programme implementation,
methodological assistance and support,
inter-sectoral coordination, and provision
of guidance and directions to local regions;
Develop the national criteria (for youth aged
15-34 y.o.) taking into account the unem-
ployment rate, employment rate, workforce
participation rate and the number of new
jobs created;
Ensure external evaluation and follow up of
the recommendations, and produce trans-
parent and concise information
MEETING OF INTER-MINISTERIAL WORKING
GROUP ON DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME
2016.12.06
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Provide support in the development of a National youth employment
promotion programme, and enhance the capacity of related officials to
effectively reflect start-up business support concerns into the national
programme.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of labour
and social protection, Ministry of mining and heavy industry, Ministry
of roads and transportation, Ministry of education, culture and science,
Ministry of energy, General authority of labour and welfare service, Na-
tional University of Mongolia, University of Science and Technology,
Start-up Mongolia NGO and the project implementing unit.
Key recommendations concerning
start-up business promotion meas-
ures, and improvement of the national
strategy:
Develop start-up ecosystem; develop sus-
tainable and inclusive cooperation and
partnership; develop legal environment for
start-up business support at different levels;
Promote career guidance aimed at second-
ary school children; use of theory/practice
system; prepare national start-up qualified
trainers; form groups and provide with en-
trepreneurship training; invite professional
experts from abroad for mentoring; change
business mentality of young people; es-
tablish incubator/accelerators and improve
capacity of the existing ones;
Ensure effective allocation of financial in-
vestments; conduct assessments and de-
velop suitable criteria for applicants for
financial support; prioritize sectors with po-
tential for local start-up development, e.g.
agriculture, tourism or mining.

TWO.
EFFECTIVE EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
ARE PROVIDED TO YOUNG PEOPLE

11
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
The training workshop had the following main content.
Consultation and exchange of views on integrating youth employment promotion project into the agenda and
activities of the local employment councils and the state administrative agencies;
Presentation on the policies, laws and regulations, rules, procedures pertinent to promoting youth employ-
ment and supporting start-up businesses;
Introduction of the national employment committee and local employment councils, their activities, aims and
objectives;
Discussion on improving youth employment promotion policies, supporting local start-up business program
and initiatives, and introduction of potential efforts to be taken by the provincial and district level citizens’
representative khural and governors.
TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR LOCAL
COORDINATORS OF THE YEP PROJECT
2.1
Outcome:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
Following key areas were identified as the training needs by the participants:
Project writing skills, training methodology and approaches;
Competencies to deliver advisory services on the planning, implementation, monitoring
and evaluation and reporting of projects; Knowledge and skills on financial administration
of projects;
Standards for organizations providing employment services; key concepts of business
start-ups; development and use of manuals and guidelines related to youth employment
promotion projects;
Initiating and sustaining cooperation and synergies with similar start-up business or-
ganizations;
Development of a standard template for selecting employment promotion projects and
programs, and its reporting format;
2016.11.08
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Provide local YEP project coordinators with knowledge and in-
formation required to effectively perform their tasks and duties.
The training was benefited by specialists in charge of programs
and projects of the Labour and welfare service offices of follow-
ing aimags and districts: Umnugobi, Darkhan-uul, Gobi-altai,
Uvs, Bayan-olgii, Khovd, Zavkhan, Bayankhongor aimags and
Khan-uul district and Bayangol district of Ulaanbaatar city, as
well as the representatives of the partner organizations and the
project implementing unit.
Theoretical training needs: Comprehen-
sive training on career counseling and
guidance; Analysis on research method-
ologies and outcomes; Training for pro-
ject writing skills and techniques; Team
work, leadership and communication
skills; Concept of start-up business;
Practical training needs: Introduction
to international best practices; Work on
research projects; Study tours to learn
from international experiences; Investi-
gate local major enterprise experience,
best-practices.

12
TWO.EFFECTIVE EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORT SERVICES
ARE PROVIDED TO YOUNG
PEOPLE:
The workshop covered the following content:
Introduction of the goal, objectives, activities, monitoring mechanism and plans of the YEP project;
Discussion on potential integration of the YEP project interventions into the agenda and activities of the local
employment councils, local level state organization/offices in charge of labour issues;
Introduction to the national and local employment councils, their mandates, objectives and
activities;
Sharing opinion and discussion on the initiatives of local programs, draft projects
and activities, draft resolutions of the aimag, district Citizen representative khurals
and Governors.
2016.11.09
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Promote local policies and initiatives addressing youth employment, start-up busi-
nesses, development and support of cooperation and partnership.
The training workshop which was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Labour
and Social Protection, Mongolian Employers’ Federation and Start-up Mongolia NGO
was attended by the heads of Labour and welfare service offices and divisions of
Bayankhongor, Bayan-Ulgii, Gobi-altai, Darkhan-Uul, Zavkhan, Umnugobi, Uvs and
Khovd aimags, and two capital districts, namely Bayangol and Khan-Uul, and heads
of departments in charge of employment of the above mentioned offices.
TRAINING-SEMINAR FOR HEADS OF LOCAL LABOUR
AND WELFARE SERVICE OFFICES AND DIVISIONS
2.2
Feedback from
participants:
Outcome:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
Capacity development needs identified by Group One:
Training on the national standards for provision of employment services at the local level; Regional
training on database and software for employment database specialists
Capacity development needs identified by Group Two:
National level training on policies, laws and regulations, local and international practices on employment
promotion for population and youth; Local level training on capacity building and partnership among Lo-
cal Employment Council members, Soum Citizen Representatives and Governors, Vocational education
and training institutions, Business Incubator Center and Youth Development Center; Capacity building
training for labour and welfare service office specialists on career counseling and guidance.
Capacity development needs identified by a Group Three:
Capacity building training for soum specialists in charge of employment and welfare issues, career
guidance and consultancy services; Master trainers’ course for specialists in charge of projects and
programs of aimag/district labour and welfare service offices/divisions; Joint training initiatives of vo-
cational institutions and employers on labour relations; Distant learning or e-learning capacity building
activities for human resources of employers.
Consider potential inclusion of
some start-up business information
elements into the secondary school
education program
Re-consider the requirement on age
as the age limit imposed is likely
to create the restriction on potential
participation of youth to start-up
programs and benefit from it.
Establish and enforce rigorous moni-
toring mechanism to track the budget
spending of the Employment promo-
tion fund with the aim to identify any
budget misuse, and take corrective
measures, e.g. withdrawal.
Consider allocating certain percent-
ages of the local budget in increase
of employment promotion fund
Conduct employment policy research
and analysis to develop or amend
related policies and regulations
Develop and implement comprehen-
sive local pro-poverty policies with
the aim to increase income level of
households below the poverty line
Ensure effective provision of
directions from the key Ministries
and agencies to the local level state
institutions to support the implemen-
tation of related policies and pro-
grammes, e.g. National programme
on family development and welfare
promotion /2016 -2020/
Create opportunity for local offices
to receive international expertise and
advice from international organi-
zations, e.g. International Labour
Organization.
Support the creation of the legal
environment for local offices in order
to enable them to cooperate with
international donor organizations on
their initiatives.

13
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
2016.11.17-18
Umnugobi
23 people
(12 female, 11 male)
2016.11.21-22
Darkhan-Uul
24 people
016.11.30-12.01
Zavkhan
17 people
(6 female, 11 male)
2016.12.16
Uvs
25 people
(6 female, 19 male)
TRAINING ON CAPACITY BUILDING OF MEMBERS AND
STAFF OF LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SUB-COUNCILS AND
TRAINING WORKSHOP ON ‘SUPPORTING LOCAL POLICY
AND INITIATIVES IN THE FIELD OF EMPLOYMENT’
2.3
Outcome:Feedback from the participants was received on:
The content of the training seminar includes:
Information on the roles of the National employment councils and sub-councils on initiating employment
related local policies and initiatives and developing partnerships and cooperation;
Introduction of draft recommendations on improvement of employment promotion programs by incorporating
youth employment and start-up business support concerns.
Date:
Duration:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
An initial draft of aim-
ag level program on
youth employment and
business start-up and related
resolutions were provided to Aimag Citi-
zens Representatives Khural and Depu-
ty-Governors.
A first meeting of the local employment
sub-councils of Umnugobi, Darkhan-
Uul, Zavkhan and Uvs aimags has been
organized. The meeting has provided
specific feedback on potential changes to
the aimag and district sub-council rules,
monitoring and evaluation criteria for em-
ployment sub-council activities, and em-
ployment support projects and programs.
Draft aimag level program on youth employment and business start-up;
Draft resolutions of aimag Citizens Representative Khurals and Governor;
Draft paper on establishment of a coordinating committee in charge of the devel-
opment and implementation of aimag level program on youth employment and
start-up businesses.
At the end of the training workshop, a first employment sub-council meeting of
the aimag vice-governors was organized to discuss the following documents:
Draft amendments and changes to the Rules of the local employment sub-council;
Draft duties and functions of members of the local employment sub-council for
possible amendments to related job descriptions;
Draft guidelines for reporting to governing bodies by elected and nominated
members of the local employment sub-council;
Indicators and criteria for monitoring and evaluation of activities of the local em-
ployment sub-council;
Build capacity of members and staff of local employment sub-councils and support
local policy and initiatives in the field of employment.
The participants of a series of training events included members and staff of the local
employment sub-councils, employees of aimag labour and welfare service offices,
employers and TVET schools of the four target aimags, namely Umnugobi, Darkhan-
Uul, Zavkhan and Uvs. The trainings were organized in partnership with the Mon-
golian Employers Federation, and Labour and welfare service offices of the above
aimags.

14
SUPPORT SERVICES
PEOPLE:
It has covered the following content:
Discussion on integrating YEP activities with the local employment council and VET council in charge of the
development of labour market information system in Darkhan-Uul province;
Introduction to the labour market and VET sector, with special focus on related legal regulations, governance,
coordination and cooperation between the two local councils;
Introduction to the labour market information, quantitative and qualitative assessments of local LM; and col-
lection, analyzes and use of the LM information;
Development of a proposal on establishment of a coordination team between the local employment council
and VET council of Darkhan-Uul province, and identifying the priority areas for cooperation.
2016.12.07
One day
Darkhan-Uul province
Facilitate consultation on potential integration of the YEP inter-
ventions with the agenda and activities of the local employment
council and VET council in Darkhan-Uul province, and pro-
vide information on labour market and VET sector with focus
on legislation, governance, and coordination and cooperation
between the two local councils.
The training seminar was organized in partnership with
Darkhan-Uul province Labour and welfare service office, in-
volving the members and the staff of the local employment
council and local VET council of Darkhan-Uul province.
TRAINING SEMINAR ON “LABOUR MARKET
INFORMATION: LOCAL PARTNERSHIP”
2.4
Outcome:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
The participants have identified the needs for conducting the labour market assessment and anal-
ysis, carrying out a survey among youth aged 15-35 y.o., identifying and analyzing resources of
herders to get engaged in small business initiatives, commissioning a survey among unemployed
people of the target group, and organizing a study and training needs assessment of young people
returned home from abroad.
The suggestions were made by the local employment and VET councils and related stakeholders
to develop cooperation plan on joint activities on LMI e.g. determining the local labour market de-
mand, identifying potential members of an inter-council ‘Coordination Team’.
Members of the Darkhan-Uul aimag’s VET Council and Employment council have organized their
first joint meeting, and discussed potential cooperation in the field of employment and LMI, and es-
tablished an inter-council ‘Coordination Team’ with the aim to coordinate joint activities on labour,
employment and VET issues.
“The support provided
by the YEP project and
cooperation through joint
activities have been very
important for the de-
velopment of the newly
established employment
and VET councils of our
province”
Mr. A. Tuvshinbat,
Vice governor of
Darkhan-Uul aimag

15
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
The training has covered the following content:
Discussion on potential integration of YEP interventions with the agenda and activities of the local employ-
ment council and VET council;
Introduction of a LM research methodologies, e.g. quantitative and qualitative methods;
Identification of the needs of local stakeholders on collecting, analyzing and using the local LM information;
Development of draft questionnaires targeting employers, self-employed and youth.
2016.12.08-09
Two days
Darkhan-Uul province
Capacitate the local team to conduct a quality labour market
(LM) survey using quantitative and qualitative methods, and
improve the practical skills of the team to develop a survey
questionnaire and forms.
The training was attended by members of the local LM demand
research team composed of representatives of the local Labour
and welfare service office, the National university of science
and technology, University of agricultural science, polytechnic
colleges, VET schools, private companies, local trade unions,
employers federation and soum labour officers. It was organized
in partnership with Darkhan-Uul province Labour and welfare
service office, employment council and VET council.
TRAINING ON “QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
ASSESSMENT ON LABOUR MARKET DEMAND”
2.5
Outcome:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
Data collection and surveys in the following major areas have
been identified by the participants as an urgent and important
need:
Survey on retired people who worked in armed forces and po-
lice; Survey on youth who returned home from abroad; Survey
on remuneration, wage gap, and working hours; Income survey
of a long-term unemployed; Employment survey among the
graduates of universities, colleges and VET schools; Survey on
the high demand jobs and occupations; Survey on aspirations
and career choices of high school boys and girls; Survey on
partnership and cooperation between employers and universi-
ties, colleges and VET schools; Survey on green jobs; Survey
on market sizes; Survey on business incubation; Survey on
work measurement; Survey on labour disputes and solution
mechanism; Survey on occasional and temporary jobs; Sur-
vey on occupations and jobs for disabled persons; Survey on
part time jobs.
Draft questionnaires for employers, self-employed and youth
both on the quantitative and qualitative assessments of LM
demand have been developed, and related templates for a
mid-term research needs from employers have been pre-
pared.
It has been observed that the competency level of the partici-
pants were varied with some had demonstrated experience on
labour market data collection and analysis, and others with
little or no experience.

16
SUPPORT SERVICES
PEOPLE:
The following concepts and key issues were introduced at the training:
Introduction to the national standards for the organizations providing employment services;
Introduction to the international approaches in profiling of registered unemployed and assessment of their
distance from the labour market as well as profiling of youth to segments according to their risks to become
a long term unemployed;
Presentation of international practice - Job Club concept as the tool for the group and individual counseling,
as well as training in active job-search skills, portable skills and wider personal competencies;
Introduction to career counseling and guidance and job placement specific approaches and issues with youth
– Mongolian experience.
2016.12.13-14
Two days
Ulaanbaatar city
Provide knowledge on career guidance and job counseling con-
cepts to specialists of the Aimag Offices of Labour and Social
Welfare and specialists of TVET schools responsible for career
counseling and guidance, and job placement.
The training was benefited by specialists from the project target
aimags e.g. Bayankhongor, Bayan-Ulgii, Gobi-altai, Darkhan-
uul, Zavkhan, Umnugobi, Uvs, Khovd, as well as Bayangol and
Khan-Uul districts of Ulaanbaatar. The training was organized in
partnership with the General Agency of Labour and Social Wel-
fare, Mongolian association of certified career counselors, and
Youth Labour Exchange Center.
TRAINING ON CAREER GUIDANCE FOR COUNSELORS
OF AIMAG/DISTRICT LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE
DIVISIONS AND SELECTED TVET SCHOOLS
2.6
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
Outcome: Feedback from participants:
Newly appointed career guidance counselors have acquired
general understanding and knowledge and basic level skills on
career counseling and guidance which will enable them to pro-
vide better quality services;
Counselors with previous training experience have improved
their knowledge and strengthened their capacity on the sub-
ject. The counselors were provided with the training modules
required for taking up a specialized counselors exam organized
by the evaluation center of the MLSP;
The Project has established a team to collaborate on career
guidance activities.
Need for improvement of career guidance related legal envi-
ronment;
Facilitate networking for aimag career guidance counselors;
Share international practices and lessons learnt;
Consider organizing longer trainings with sessions on each
element of career counseling and guidance.
Very successful - 86% Successful - 12% Average – 2%
Evaluation:

17
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
The following content was covered at the workshop:
Introduction to the ILO Convention No. 88 on Employment Service and Convention No. 181 on Private Em-
ployment Agencies ratified by Mongolia in 2016, and ILO Recommendation No. 188 concerning Private Em-
ployment Agencies;
Introduction to the current situation of general employment services, private employment agencies and further
directions and measures;
Discussion on draft documents related to the provision of general employment services by public and private
employment agencies;
Facilitation of coordination and cooperation between public and private employment agencies.
2016.12.23
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Refine documentations related to general employment services, improve the envi-
ronment for providing client friendly and effective services, build capacity of human
resources, improve services targeting employers, strengthen job placement services
and intensify public private partnerships in this area.
The workshop which was organized in partnership with the General Agency of Labour
and Social Welfare was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Labour
and Social Protection, ILO, General Agency for Labour and Social Welfare, Insti-
tute for Labour and Social Protection Studies, Labour Office of Ulaanbaatar, Labour
and Social Welfare Service Divisions of Bayangol, Songinokhairkhan and Khan-Uul
districts, MONEF, Confederation of Employment Agencies, Private outsourcing and
consulting companies and NGOs.
WORKSHOP ON IMPLEMENTATION OF
ILO CONVENTIONS #88 AND #181
2.7
Outcome: Feedback from participants:The participants have discussed
the following draft papers:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
Lack of information for the
social partners, in particular for
employers
An integrated database and
registration is needed to be
established
A platform needs to be set up
to enable people get employed
through labour exchange offices
Inconsistent operations of private
labour exchange offices which
causes inefficiency
Classification of labour exchange
offices by areas of focus is
needed
Above mentioned draft documents were pro-
vided to the representatives of private compa-
nies, NGOs and Confederation of employment
agencies with the purpose of receiving their
inputs and recommendations on the drafts;
An agreement has been reached between the
General Agency for Labour and Social Wel-
fare Services and the YEP project to continue
collaboration on the development of coopera-
tion between public and private employment
agencies;
It has been agreed by the General Agency for
Labour and Social Welfare Services to estab-
lish a working group which will incorporate
received comments into the draft papers.
Draft decree of the Minister of
Labour and Social Protection and
rules on registration and financing
of private employment agencies
rules on expenditures and budget
of general employment services
guidelines for general employment
services providers

THREE.
YOUNG PEOPLE OPERATE
INNOVATIVE START-UPS WITH
GROWTH POTENTIAL

19
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
2016.10.27-28
Two days
Ulaanbaatar city
Provide knowledge on current trends, international and national best
practices, innovative approaches and new concepts in the area of busi-
ness incubation and business development, build capacity of human
resources and experience sharing in this area.
The training-seminar which was organized in partnership with “Tech-
noj” business incubator center and Association of Business Incubator
Centers was attended by the representatives of VET, polytechnic colleg-
es and business incubator centers in aimag and districts, Association of
Business Incubator Centers, Mongolian Employers’ Federation, Start-up
Mongolia NGO and Development Solutions NGO.
CAPACITY BUILDING AND EXPERIENCE SHARING
TRAINING-SEMINAR FOR BUSINESS INCUBATOR CENTER
Outcome:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:
Consider the potential of establishing business incubator centers
based on VET schools or polytechnic colleges making focus on
i) criteria for BIC manager and mentors; ii) standard agreement
or template on working conditions, e.g. wage etc with mentors
and trainers, and iii) types of training to be offered and training
modules;
Take into account the circumstances and specifics of the region,
the VET school and polytechnic college when establishing busi-
ness incubator centers;
Consider establishing a monitoring mechanism as an Advisory
Board with approximately 6-7 members;
3.1
Create an internal financing mechanism for business incubator
center to ensure the sustainability;
It has been suggested that the Association of business incubator
centers develop a guidebook including information on: i) sam-
ple rules for establishing BIC, sample activities and services to
be offered; ii) sample financing mechanism models to ensure
sustainability and independency of BIC; iii) sample of contracts,
agreement templates, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
and tools of BIC.
Very successful - 76.4% Successful - 22.9% Average – 1%Evaluation:
Feedback provided and recommendations proposed by the participants:
The following content was covered by the seminar:
Introduction to business incubator centers, objectives and duties;
Introduction to the current status of youth groups supported by VET schools and colleges;
Introduction to the latest trends in business incubation, support services (international and Mongolian);
Information on local partnerships, initiatives and inputs from business incubator centers;
Introduction as best practices to some province business incubator centers which work within VET schools
or polytechnic colleges;
Group work to develop proposals.

20
THREE.YOUNG PEOPLE OPERATE
The following activities and trainings to support start-ups were organized:
A. Training of trainers in Bayankhongor province
It is imperative to create a supportive environment for start-up development at the soum and local community
level and build the local capacity in order to ensure the ownership and sustainability. In this context, a training
of trainers has been organized with the aim to prepare trainers, build their capacity and create networking. A total
of 29 people were trained including representatives of the local government and non-government organizations
mandated to promote a start-up entrepreneurship, and volunteers, mentors and start-up entrepreneurs. During
the training, an introduction was made on the pilot project and its aim to promote youth start-up businesses,
and presentations were given on “What is Start-up business”, “Social & Google apps” and “Business Model
Canvas”.
B. Boot camp training
Design Thinking: A design thinking session was organized to develop the participants’ competency on cre-
ativity and innovation as well as the ability to find durable solutions. The participants in pairs were tasked to
produce a hand-made product within two hours timeframe taking into account the need, taste and wish of the
partner.
“Business Model Canvas” tool: Using a BMC tool, the participants were assisted in effectively planning and
developing start-up business or project ideas, and putting the ideas into business operation. The participants
have divided into groups and developed a canvas with the guidance of the instructor.
Rural start-up business: Lecture on rural start-up business development was organized covering issues such
as start-up business development in rural community, key concepts of start-up business and entrepreneur-
ship, major differences between small and big businesses, best practices and examples of experiences of
local and international start-ups.
C. Pitch event in Bayankhongor province
A 3 days “Pitch” event covering a 54 hours timeline has been organized to facilitate a talented team building
process, and to capacitate the participants to explore innovative business ideas, create business plans,
establish a company and facilitate fundraising. A total of 50 participants have benefited from the Pitch event
2016.11.03-07
Five days
Bayankhongor province
176 people
Promote the development of start-up businesses in the local community, cultivate
a start-up ecosystem at aimag and soum level, support start-ups led by youth, and
build the capacity and mindset of the local youth to manage start-up businesses.
The pilot programme has involved active participation of the Governor’s office of
Bayankhongor aimag, Governor’s office of Khan-Uul District, VET School representa-
tives, Youth development center representatives, private companies in Bayankhongor
aimag and Khan-Uul district, Labour and Welfare Service Office, University of Science
and Technology, Business incubator center, as well as the participants of the pilot
program. The program has been organized in partnership with the Start-up Mongolia
NGO and Labour and Welfare Service Division of Khan-Uul district.
2016.11.09-11
Three days
Khan-Uul district of Ulaanbaatar
88 people
PILOT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT YOUTH START-UP
BUSINESS IN BAYANKHONGOR PROVINCE AND
KHAN-UUL DISTRICT OF ULAANBAATAR
3.2
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective:
Participation:

21
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
“First we were not aware
of what and how to do,
but then as the training
moved on, we started to
grasp more and more,
and when started working
on project tasks we were
motivated and excited to
work harder and accom-
plish more”
Ms.P. Delgermaa,
3rd year student at Polytechnic
College, “Ener” team member
FIRST PLACE: “Green drill” team-
Project proposal on “Hole drilling
equipment for planting trees, forest-
ry, mining restoration services”
SECOND PLACE: “Shijir” team–
Project proposal on “Bath bombs
made with whirl bone oil”
THIRD PLACE: “Smart light”
team- Project proposal on “Lighting
system with new design”
The Pitch event has awarded the following teams
for their best and innovative business ideas:
FIRST PLACE: “Mazaakhai” team- Project proposal
on “Production of children’s yogurt based on own
resources”
SECOND PLACE: “Ener” team – Project propos-
al on “Wool socks production in Bayankhongor
aimag”
THIRD PLACE: “NuNomad” team- Project proposal
on “Modern deel dresses for local girls”
Local youth were inspired to start their own start-up business, their knowledge on the benefits and importance
of the start-up have increased, their capacity to work in a team and identify and use appropriate strategies
have improved;
International start-up practices were introduced to the participants with the aim to provide information and
knowledge on how to start properly start-up business and related practical lessons learned from the practices;
10 new start-ups that developed a new and innovative business model were formed;
A group of instructors was formed consisting of 21 people including volunteers and representatives of the
local government and non-government organizations mandated to promote start-up entrepreneurship devel-
opment. A capacity-building training has been provided to the instructors group on creation of an ecosystem
supportive for start-up business development, building community and network, and development of busi-
ness models;
The first place winner team was awarded with the seed fund that enables them to take up their business fur-
ther. The winner team has also received an award ticket to participate in the next stage of the pilot programme
which is an acceleration program.
D. Pitch event in Khan-Uul district
A 3 days Pitch event which has been organized through a 54 hours timeframe has been conducted for the
participants of Khan-Uul district. A total of 11 business ideas were selected for the Pitch event from the total
36 business ideas generated by 50 selected participants. 11 teams were formed around the business ideas to
develop the ideas further into more comprehensive business proposals. Guidance and advice were provided to
the teams by business mentors from the Start-up Mongolia NGO, Development solutions, Khasu Holding LLC,
World Bank (international consultant) and Wild digital agency. The Pitch event has awarded the following teams
for their best and innovative ideas:
Evaluation:
Evaluation:
“Very effective
training that set the path
for youth to start their
future careers”
Mrs.D.Otgonkhand,
“Ulziit” VTPC instructor at
Bayankhongor province
through receiving advice and guidance from business mentors and were equipped with relevant knowledge
and skills for entrepreneurship development and business ownership.

22
THREE.YOUNG PEOPLE OPERATE
The training has covered the following content:
Introduction to business incubator centers, their objectives and duties;
Introduction to the current status of youth groups supported by VET schools and colleges, demand;
Introduction to the latest trends in business incubation, business development and support services (inter-
national and Mongolian);
Information on local partnerships, initiatives and input from business incubator centers;
Introduction to best practices, experiences of province business incubator centers which work within VET
schools or polytechnic colleges;
Group work to develop a proposal.
2016.12.12-13
Two days
Ulaanbaatar city
TRAINING-SEMINAR WITH DIRECTORS OF VET
SCHOOLS AND POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
3.3
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Objective: Participation:
Outcome: Feedback from participants:
Comments received from the participants on improving the draft “Guidelines on estab-
lishing business incubator center at VET schools and polytechnic colleges”, include:
Capacity building of the officers of aimag Labour and welfare service divisions to in-
crease awareness and professional competencies;
Document and disseminate the best-practices emerged in Bayankhongor province, and
organize methodological and practical trainings to business incubator counselors us-
ing the know-how of Bayankhongor Polytechnic college;
Include an article or a provision on establishing a business incubator at the capital
level.
A manual for the establishment and operations of Business Incubator Centers under
VET centers and polytechnic colleges has been finalized based on the inputs and rec-
ommendations provided by the training participants. The participants have noted the
importance of a BIC and its potential role in business development, and have agreed
and committed to either establish new business incubator centers with 2-3 counselors
or to further improve the functioning of the existing ones as appropriate.
Explore the possibility of conducting
trainings at Bayankhongor Polytech-
nic college;
Plan and implement knowledge
sharing interventions;
Provide training on start-up and
mentoring topics;
Conduct further training with
expanded participation including
the staff in charge of school BIC and
representatives of local administra-
tion;
Consider organizing the type of
training on a regular basis to ensure
the ownership and sustainability.
Very successful - 83% Successful - 13% Average – 4%Evaluation:
Introduce and discuss a draft “Guide-
lines for establishing business in-
cubation centers at VET schools and
Polytechnic colleges”, introduce cur-
rent trends, international and national
best practices, innovative approaches
and new concepts in the area of busi-
ness incubation and business devel-
opment.
The training-seminar which was or-
ganized in partnership with the Asso-
ciation of business incubator centers
was attended by the directors of VET
schools and Polytechnic colleges from
the project target regions; represent-
atives of the Mongolian Employers’
Federation; Technoj Business incu-
bator center; Start-up Mongolia NGO
and Development Solutions NGO.

23
YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
The following content was covered at the meeting:
Introduction of the pilot program for supporting start-up businesses;
Introduction of recommendations on incorporating start-up businesses and its support related provisions into
related policies;
Introduction of start-up business, entrepreneurship/business administration, knowledge economy, innova-
tion management related terminology handbook and facilitation of feedback on this draft document;
Introduction of a study results on start-up ecosystem in Mongolia.
2016.12.15
One day
Ulaanbaatar city
Introduce the results of the current situation analysis on start-up busi-
ness, entrepreneurship development and support initiatives and related policy
recommendations, and facilitate discussions around this topic.
The consultative meeting was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of La-
bour and Social Protection, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, Ministry
of Education, Science and Sports, Mongolian Employers’ Federation, UB City Labour
Department, Start-up Mongolia NGO, Development Solution NGO, donor organiza-
tions, National Association of Business Incubator Centers, NUM, MUST and other
related stakeholders.
CONSULTATIVE MEETING ON SUPPORTING
YOUTH START-UP BUSINESS
Outcome:
Date:
Duration:
Location:
Participants:
Purpose:
Participation:
Key comments provided by the participants:
3.4
Concerted efforts need to be taken in order to innovatively reflect
issues related to business incubator centers and start-up busi-
nesses into related guidelines and programs, encourage active
involvement of the private sector and NGOs, ensure that program
results are measured by qualitative indicators rather than quan-
titative.
The existing national policies and programs are not conducive for
start-up development
The realization of the Project component on start-up intervention
applies the high level of risks. It therefore requires careful efforts
for the design, beneficiary selection etc through sound assess-
ment in order to mitigate potential risks for failure.
Ideas and initiatives of participants in start-up events should be
protected by the patent rights;

YOUTH
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Youth Employment Project, Suite #602, Blue Mon center,
6th floor, Youth Avenue, Sukhbaatar district 14200,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tel/ Fax: (976) 77116171
E-mail: Info@yep-gfa.mn

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