Vocational education in the 4.0 era: Change to break through

GD&TĐ - With the support of policies, flexible training programs, modern technology and close ties with businesses, vocational education today not only solves employment but also opens up long-term development opportunities for learners.

Lost in the digital transformation matrix

In the context of widespread digital transformation, the labor market is placing completely new demands on human resources. While many parents and students are hesitant about choosing vocational training, worried about training quality and advancement opportunities, the vocational education system in Vietnam is quietly repositioning itself; no longer a "second solution" but a proactive, practical and modern direction. With an innovative legal foundation, updated training programs and a close business linkage model, vocational education affirms its pioneering role in training high-quality human resources for the digital economy .

Ms. Tran Le Hoang Anh (37 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “ The world talks about artificial intelligence (AI), big data (Big Data), Internet of Things (IoT), but my son likes to study at vocational schools because the training time is short and he can earn money soon. I am always worried whether vocational schools are stuck with outdated curriculums, teaching only simple manual labor skills? Will my child be equipped with enough capacity to compete in a labor market that increasingly requires digital skills?”

Sharing the same concern, Mr. Nguyen Van Quyen (43 years old, living in Dong Nai), whose son is studying at a vocational training institution in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “Universities are given greater autonomy, so are college and vocational secondary school degrees being taken lightly? Is the path to transfer really open or just a narrow door? Although vocational schools always commit to a high employment rate, I am worried that after graduation my son will only stop at the position of a worker, with little opportunity for promotion, low salary and easy to be replaced by machines.”

In response to these concerns, MSc. Thai Thuy Chung - Director of the Admissions & Communications Center, iSPACE College of Cyber Security commented: Vietnam is at a pivotal moment in the innovation process. Vocational education cannot and will not stand outside of that cycle. This is an opportunity, a challenge and vocational education is seizing the opportunity well to rise strongly. According to MSc. Chung, the situation of vocational education being "inferior" can be completely eliminated thanks to a solid legal foundation.

The draft amendment to the Law on Vocational Education is being finalized with many revolutionary new points. Specifically, the draft stipulates allowing universities to provide undergraduate training in health-related fields, teacher training, specialized fields and professions in the arts, etc., or qualified enterprises to participate in training at intermediate and college levels.

This will create a healthy competitive environment, promote quality and diversify choices for learners, thereby expanding the training ecosystem. In addition, the vocational secondary school diploma is recognized as having the same value as a high school diploma, breaking the "dead end" in learning.

Vocational learners have a complete lifelong learning path, connecting to higher education without barriers. Vocational education institutions are also given greater autonomy in program design, international cooperation and especially implementing short-term skills certificates (micro-credentials), helping them respond quickly to labor market needs.

Graduation ceremony of students from iSPACE College of Cyber Security. Photo: Gia Hung

Transformational training program

MSc. Thai Thuy Chung affirmed that the concept of vocational education only training “workers” is completely outdated. Following the trend of developed countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Australia, modern vocational education is a combination of specialized skills training and liberal education, aiming to create well-rounded citizens.

In the digital age, vocational training programs have undergone a dramatic transformation. Not only focusing on traditional skills, schools are equipping learners with a comprehensive set of digital competencies, including: Basic and specialized digital skills (from office IT, software administration to programming, network security, AI); essential soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, cross-cultural communication; lifelong learning skills, the ability to self-study on online platforms and adapt to new technologies.

Ms. Le Thi Bich Thao - Vice Principal of Dai Viet Saigon College emphasized: The school always focuses on the criteria of training linked to practice. The school cooperates with hundreds of businesses to build programs, constantly reviews and updates the latest technology and skills that the labor market needs.

Students have access to AI, IoT, digital design... while still in school. That is the reason why students are never left behind. Statistics show that more than 85% of vocational education students have jobs within 6 months of graduation; for "hot" majors such as Information Technology, Cyber Security, Industrial Electronics, this rate is over 95%. Many students not only find good jobs but also start successful businesses and are recruited by international companies. Employment is no longer a concern, but an outstanding strength and pride of vocational education.

In addition, with the orientation of "not letting students drop out of school due to financial difficulties", in 2025, Dai Viet Saigon College will continue to implement flexible, friendly and practical tuition and financial support policies. Students with good academic performance will receive valuable scholarships to cover their living expenses. The school commits to not increasing tuition fees throughout the course.

In particular, the school has a 15 billion VND Learning Credit Fund, supporting students to borrow capital with 0% interest. After graduation, if they cannot repay immediately, students can commit to a specific repayment time with the school.

“The dual training model, with 70-80% of the time spent on practice at businesses, is becoming the norm. Students not only learn theory but also ‘eat - study - work together’ with experts, even receive a salary during the internship, ensuring they can work immediately after graduation. Vocational education is not the last choice, but a smart choice for a sustainable future,” affirmed Ms. Thao.

According to the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, by 2025, the local vocational education system will have 380 units, including: 62 colleges, 60 secondary schools, 77 vocational education centers and 181 other vocational education facilities.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/giao-duc-nghe-nghiep-thoi-40-thay-doi-de-but-pha-post742831.html