The ILO estimates that between 25 and 30 per cent of the world's growing labour force is unemployed or under-employed. This is a major cause of poverty. In addition, 500 million women and men work for less than US$ 1 per day, many of them in micro-enterprises in the informal economy. The ILO advocates specific policies for "working out of poverty".

Training programmes devote considerable attention to all aspects of promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment for women and men around the world.

In sharing knowledge about how to increase the quantity and quality of jobs, we are keen to contribute to measures that enhance both efficiency and equity in labour markets. Special short courses and workshops target people who are responsible for the design and implementation of labour market and employment policies.

Training subjects include:

• producing and understanding employment statistics
• improving the functioning of public employment services
• launching employment initiatives at the local level
• promoting employment-intensive investment
• involving workers' organizations and employers' organizations in employment policy formulation and implementation.

Most such training focuses on pertinent concepts, key issues, sound methods and good practice.

Activities in this area of expertise are conducted by the following training units:

Standards and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
Employment and Skills Development 
Enterprise, Microfinance and Local Development Programme
Social Dialogue
Workers' Activities
Employers' Activities
Gender and Non-Discrimination Programme