After finishing 9th grade, I "entered the profession".
In early June, instead of taking the entrance exam for public high schools, Nguyen Thi Kim Duong, a student from Binh An Secondary School (Dong Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), went with her mother to Dong An High-Tech College to register for a Graphic Design program.
Ms. Cao Thi Dep (Kim Duong's mother) said that the family always respects their daughter's choices. Although her academic performance is average, she shows talent and a passion for fine arts, so pursuing vocational training early is a suitable path. "She gets to learn a trade while also studying the general education program, so I feel quite reassured. My husband and I are both factory workers, living in rented accommodation. In months with overtime, our income is about 8-9 million VND per person, but normally it's only about 5.5 million VND. Because she started vocational training early and received tuition support, it has somewhat eased the financial burden on the family," Ms. Dep shared.
Similarly, at Phuoc Thang Secondary School (Phuoc Thang Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), dozens of students have chosen vocational training immediately after graduating from secondary school. According to Ms. Nguyen Thi My Chau, the school's principal, more and more students are showing interest in vocational education .
To help students gather more information before making decisions, the school regularly organizes visits and experiential learning opportunities at vocational education institutions, and also invites representatives from vocational schools to provide advice, introduce training programs, and discuss job opportunities. Through this, students have the chance to better understand their options after lower secondary school and orient themselves towards a suitable path early on. According to Ms. My Chau, in recent years, many students with good or excellent academic performance have proactively chosen vocational training after recognizing the practical value this path offers.
The appeal of the 9+ model
At Dong An High-Tech College, this year, the 9+ model has received positive attention from parents and students. With 1,109 places available for 10th grade, online applications have reached over 80% of the target, while in-person applications have reached nearly 40%. Many parents no longer view 9+ as a backup option after the 10th grade entrance exam but proactively seek information early, even before the 10th grade entrance exam takes place.
Ms. Than Thanh Thanh, Vice Principal of Dong An High-Tech College, assessed that this is a positive trend, reflecting a clear change in society's perception of vocational education. "Vocational education is gradually being seen as a valuable option, not a last resort," Ms. Thanh Thanh emphasized.
Based on the school's enrollment data, Ms. Dinh Bich Diep, Principal of Vung Tau Tourism College, also stated that more and more students and parents are proactively researching and registering for courses early, even after completing the 9th grade. This shows that students and their families are paying more attention to individual abilities, strengths, and future career opportunities, instead of focusing solely on one path—studying high school and then choosing a profession.
At Dong An High-Tech College, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, the school will implement a high-quality training model for students after lower secondary school. In addition to vocational programs and a 7-subject general education program, students will receive enhanced training in foreign languages, STEM programs, digital skills, and participate in learning and exchange activities with foreign lecturers and experts. This model is designed to meet the growing needs of parents and students in the context of international integration and digital transformation.
Similarly, junior high school graduates participating in the 9+ program at Vung Tau Tourism College study a dual curriculum of four general education subjects and vocational training. After 2.5 years of study, students receive a vocational diploma and a certificate confirming completion of high school education. They only need to study for about another year to complete the bridging program and receive a college diploma.
According to Ms. Bich Diep, setting career goals early helps students reduce exam pressure, save time and training costs for their families, and create clearer motivation for learning. Students who register and enroll early will receive career counseling from the school, guidance on accessing scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and opportunities to participate in career experiences before the new school year begins.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/chu-dong-re-loi-hoc-nghe-post858108.html
