By Elena Montobbio, Director of ILO/Cinterfor

In Latin America and the Caribbean, more than 7.3 million children and adolescents are still in child labour, violating their rights and limiting their development. This complex and persistent reality is closely linked to structural factors such as poverty, inequality, lack of access to quality education and the precarious employment opportunities faced by their families.

The latest ILO–UNICEF report highlights a stark truth: it will not be possible to eliminate child labour without strengthening educational and economic alternatives for the most vulnerable households. In this context, investment in vocational training plays a strategic role. It is not only about preparing people for a job, but about opening pathways to decent work, autonomy and social inclusion.

Strengthening the productive capacities of adults has a multiplier effect. It improves their employability and income, which in turn reduces the economic pressure that often pushes younger people to leave school to work. When adults have access to quality training and their skills are recognised, children are more likely to remain in the education system and to plan for a future with greater opportunities.

Vocational training also plays a key role in protecting adolescents aged 15 and over. In many cases, this group faces the risk of early entry into precarious or hazardous jobs. Designing programmes with an age-sensitive, rights-based and employability-focused approach makes it possible to accompany their transition from education to the world of work in a gradual, protected and dignified way, developing not only technical skills but also personal and social competences.

Achieving a region free from child labour requires coordinated action. The articulation between education systems, vocational training policies, social protection and career guidance is essential to build comprehensive, sustainable and people-centred responses.

At ILO/Cinterfor, we take this challenge as a priority. We promote the strengthening of vocational training systems as part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of child labour. Because we firmly believe that investing in training means investing in social justice, equity and the right of every child and adolescent to grow, learn and develop fully, without being forced to work.

A region free from child labour is possible. And on that path, vocational training is one of our most powerful tools.