At the Asian Ministers' Conference held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in September 1971, labour ministers called for the establishment of a regional mechanism to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the region. In response, the Asian and Pacific Skill Development Programme (APSDEP) was set up in 1978 as an ILO regional programme with financial support from the UNDP. In 1980, the Government of Japan began to provide cash contribution in response to the request of APSDEP members.  Financial responsibility for APSDEP shifted to the ILO in 1986. 

Since its inception, APSDEP has played an important part in promoting human resources development through TVET. It has provided valuable opportunities for direct exchange of experience and expertise in vocational training through technical meetings, study tours, research, studies and related measures. It has also helped to improve the effectiveness of national vocational training systems and promote active partnerships between government, employers and workers in national vocational training related activities. 

Following the establishment of the ILO's Active Partnership Policy (APP) and the creation of its multidisciplinary advisory teams (MDTs), APSDEP has worked in close collaboration with the MDTs, ILO Headquarters and the ILO International Training Centre in Turin.