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“Bridging the Skill Gap: Equipping the Next Generation with Hands-on Training”

20 August, 2024

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Experts shared these insights at the seminar “Vocational Training Trends: A Multi-Perspective Approach,” held on August 19th.

THE RISE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

In Hanoi, one of Vietnam’s most vibrant labor markets, Mr. Le Minh Thao, Head of Vocational Education at the Hanoi Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, shared that there are over 300 vocational training institutions in the city. Annually, more than 200,000 workers enter the labor market, equipped with skills gained from these institutions.

The quality of Hanoi’s vocational training is evident, with the city consistently ranking high in the “Labor Training Index” of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) in recent years.

However, Mr. Thao acknowledged that only a few schools in Hanoi have received comprehensive and modern investments, especially in the context of international integration.

“The direct labor force plays a crucial role and is a decisive factor in the competitiveness of each country. Therefore, schools must focus on quality training rather than mass training to ensure that our labor force can compete in the global market,” said Mr. Thao. “By doing so, students will have more opportunities to secure well-paying jobs.”

Dr. Pham Xuan Khanh, Principal of the Hanoi College of Advanced Technology, noted that today’s youth are embracing digital technology and global trends. They are quick to grasp the times and dare to break free from old concepts and rigid mindsets, such as the belief that one must attend and graduate from university to be successful.

As a result, many high-scoring students from the 2024 National High School Graduation Examination, who could have entered top-ranked universities, have instead chosen to pursue vocational education.

“It’s a positive trend that students proactively choose vocational education. By opting for colleges or vocational secondary schools, they are making more practical choices,” said Mr. Ngoc. “Today, the quality of training in colleges and secondary schools under the vocational education system has improved significantly. Many schools have undergone domestic and international accreditation and received positive feedback from businesses.”

Consequently, a large proportion of graduates from these colleges and secondary schools secure jobs in their trained fields immediately after graduation.

Moreover, education experts argue that as the economy develops, job opportunities for college and secondary school graduates are becoming increasingly abundant.

“The income of graduates from vocational schools is ‘not low,’ especially for those with skills in high-demand sectors such as information technology, automation, and mechatronics,” said Dr. Pham Xuan Khanh.

MUTUAL BENEFITS OF INDUSTRY-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL COLLABORATION

However, to become a “trusted choice” for students and parents, experts believe that vocational schools need to focus on enhancing their training quality by closely aligning it with the needs of the domestic and international labor markets.

Experts sharing insights at the seminar. Photo: Duy Khanh.

Particularly, schools should embrace the principle of “linking schools with enterprises,” enhancing practicality in the training process, and strengthening connections with businesses and employers to increase graduates’ job prospects.

The goal is to achieve a short-term training model (no more than 3 years) that still ensures quality and meets the demands of the labor market.

From an enterprise perspective, Mr. Phan Quyet Long, Director of Thanh Long Industrial Manufacturing, Installation, and Equipment Supply Co., Ltd., shared that his company mainly operates in the field of industrial auxiliary production for various sectors. The company’s criteria for selecting employees are based on the basic competencies of fresh graduates, especially soft skills applicable in a factory setting.

Additionally, to ensure product quality, the company employs only trained workers who possess theoretical knowledge and technical skills. These three elements are essential for the business.

Currently, the company is working on several new projects for 2025 and anticipates requiring a workforce of over 500 high-quality employees.

According to Mr. Long, to attract this high-quality workforce, the company does not necessarily seek engineers but is open to hiring technical secondary school graduates who meet their requirements.

To secure this talent pool, Mr. Long shared that the company has collaborated with several vocational training institutions to accompany students from the beginning of their studies until graduation. Through this partnership, the enterprise will provide on-the-job training for two years, involving students in all aspects of the business.

Students will also undergo internships and skill enhancement programs led by the company’s experts while receiving a stipend. Upon graduation, they will have the opportunity to be hired immediately.

Mr. Le Minh Thao emphasized that the collaboration between vocational schools and enterprises, especially in sectors where technology evolves rapidly, is an effective solution to address the current imbalance of “too many teachers and too few skilled workers.”

Dr. Pham Xuan Khanh, from the perspective of a vocational school principal, attributed the success of his institution to its strong partnerships with over 400 domestic and international businesses. These collaborations have effectively served the dual objectives of enhancing training quality and ensuring post-graduation employment for students.

“Resources from our collaborations with enterprises not only provide students with additional practical training and internship opportunities but also help secure their employment after graduation,” said Dr. Pham Xuan Khanh. “Moreover, these partnerships support teacher training, curriculum and facility development, research and technology application collaborations, joint training programs, and mutual recognition of diplomas and certificates, significantly contributing to the overall training quality.”