Vietnamese vocational schools reform training to meet industry needs

Vocational training institutions in Vietnam are undergoing a significant shift in philosophy to align more closely with evolving labor market demands and rapid technological advancements. Schools are moving away from teaching purely academic theory toward a model that prioritizes what the market requires, integrating practical application directly into the curriculum.

At institutions such as the Ho Chi Minh City Vocational College and the Ho Chi Minh City College of Technology, practical training, experiments, and real-world projects now account for 65% to 70% of total program duration. This approach includes replacing outdated machinery with modern technologies like CNC machines, automation, digitalization, and smart production lines. The “school-workshop-enterprise” model is being utilized to help students develop industrial discipline and technical mastery from their first year.

This trend of modernization was highlighted at the 48th WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, China, where three Vietnamese contestants earned medals in CNC Turning, CNC Milling, and Renewable Energy. The competition showcased the emergence of new professions such as intelligent cybersecurity, software testing, and drone system operation. The 49th WorldSkills competition is scheduled to take place in Aichi, Japan, in 2028.