In the context of a constantly changing labor market, especially under the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), early guidance and choosing the right skills and strengths are becoming key factors in helping students build a suitable learning and career path.
Expand options, change perceptions.
Currently, after completing the 9th grade, students have two options: continue their education at the high school level or participate in vocational training programs combined with general education. Notably, students pursuing vocational training are still guaranteed a general education level equivalent to the high school system; they also receive a vocational certificate to prepare them for the labor market or to continue their studies at higher levels.
In April 2026, the Department of Education and Training of Dak Lak province collaborated with vocational education institutions to organize a series of career guidance and admissions counseling days in 14 communes and wards. Through direct dialogue, students had many practical concerns addressed, such as opportunities for university education through continuing education; job prospects after vocational training; and support policies for students at vocational and college-level schools.
The counseling sessions extend beyond admissions information to include career trends, the impact of AI, and training models that combine theory and practice. This provides students with a more comprehensive understanding of their future career paths.
Tran Ngoc Linh, a 9th-grade student from Dao Duy Tu Junior High School (Thanh Nhat Ward, Dak Lak Province), said that she previously lacked clear direction for her future. However, after participating in counseling, she realized that university is not the only path. If her exam results are not as expected, she will choose vocational training and continue to strive for success; the important thing is to understand which path suits her best.
Sharing the same view, Phan Trung Kien, a 9th-grade student at Thanh Nhat Junior High School (Thanh Nhat Ward), said that he has had a passion for electronics and phone repair since he was young. Through the counseling session, he gained more new knowledge and became more confident in choosing a career path that suits his personal interests.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly, Vice Principal of Dao Duy Tu Junior High School, the school has implemented student streaming for many years with innovative methods, such as online surveys and collaboration with vocational training institutions. Each year, about 80-90% of the school's students continue their education at public high schools, while the rest choose vocational training. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, approximately 12 students will be enrolled in vocational training programs. The school also focuses on linking career guidance with local characteristics, such as introducing fields related to agriculture , engineering, cooking, and services.
However, according to Ms. Ly, the biggest challenge remains changing parents' perceptions. Many families still place a strong emphasis on their children's enrollment in public high schools or universities, without truly assessing their children's abilities and interests.
From a parent's perspective, Ms. Chu Thi Huong Sen (Thanh Nhat ward) believes that university is not the only path. Depending on economic conditions, abilities, and passions of their children, families will choose a suitable path; vocational training can also lead to further education if circumstances permit.
Linking training to market needs
Currently, in the context of a constantly changing labor market, vocational education institutions are also proactively innovating their training programs to meet practical needs.
Ms. Dao Thi Xuan from Buon Ma Thuot Vocational College (Dak Lak province) stated that the institution currently focuses on five key vocational fields: automotive technology; tourism guiding; applied informatics; restaurant and hotel management; and culinary arts. Notably, students enrolled in these programs receive 100% tuition support and are also trained concurrently in general education programs.
According to Mr. Tran Quang Sang, Head of Training Department, FPT Polytechnic Tay Nguyen College, the school is training students in highly applicable fields such as information technology, graphic design, and marketing. The curriculum emphasizes practical application (accounting for approximately 70%) and is continuously updated to ensure that graduates can immediately adapt to the labor market.
Mr. Sang stated that the rapid development of AI is changing the job structure, both eliminating some positions and creating many new opportunities. Therefore, the school regularly updates its training programs, integrating content related to AI and digital technology to enhance students' capabilities.
According to the Department of Education and Training of Dak Lak province, in recent years, the work of disseminating information, providing career guidance, and directing students has been implemented synchronously in the locality. In the 2024-2025 school year, the department organized career counseling for approximately 22,000 students at 245 junior high schools and 53 senior high schools. The percentage of students after junior high school choosing vocational training or continuing education programs combined with vocational training has shown a slight upward trend. In particular, many students who did not pass the entrance exam to public high schools have proactively chosen vocational education and continuing education centers or vocational schools to continue their studies.
In the context of a constantly changing labor market, career guidance for students not only helps reduce exam pressure but also contributes to balancing the structure of the workforce. However, for career guidance to be truly effective, it needs to be implemented on a voluntary basis, ensuring the right people are in the right direction in education.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/huong-nghiep-som-de-lua-chon-dung-nang-luc-20260506122418984.htm
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