Vietnam logistics staff: Good at professional skills but weak in English

Vietnam's logistics industry is facing the need to develop high-quality human resources in terms of skills, professional knowledge, and specialized English.

Serious shortage of logistics human resources

According to the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute (VLI), the country has more than 3,000 logistics enterprises (not including transportation companies, ports, airlines, etc.), each enterprise has an average of 20 employees; the human resource growth rate is about 7.5%/year, much lower than the industry growth rate (15-20%/year).

Vietnam has advantages in location and large seaport system, more than 70 international routes, favorable for logistics development. However, to take advantage of this opportunity, a new and systematic human resource training strategy is needed for about 250,000 employees by 2030, but the current supply only meets about 40% of the demand.

Master Nguyen Thanh Nha, General Director of Tan Cang STC Company - Tan Cang Saigon Corporation, said that according to statistics from the company, the demand for human resources at the port by 2026 is nearly 1,500 people (equipment operators, container drivers; dispatchers, operators; technicians; river ship crew; delivery; business; communication staff...).

Dr. Dang Thanh Tuan, Head of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Department, Hong Bang International University (HIU), commented: "In the context of deep integration and the participation of international logistics enterprises in the Vietnamese market, the demand for human resources does not stop at professional expertise but also requires specialized English proficiency."

Regarding the training program, Master Nguyen Thanh Nha emphasized: “The logistics training program requires at least 30% of practice time, and it is necessary to strengthen the connection between businesses and schools: sending students to intern at businesses and inviting businesses to participate in teaching specialized courses”. In addition, students need to proactively participate in seminars, competitions, and international activities to accumulate experience and build a career network.

A representative of Thien Long Trading and Service Company Limited said that when logistics personnel are proficient in specialized English, businesses will evaluate them as 'professionals'.

PHOTO: YEN THI

Learn logistics 100% in English: Expanding job opportunities

Besides improving practical skills, logistics training entirely in English is considered a solution to create a competitive advantage for human resources.

Dr. Dang Thanh Tuan said: “Specialized English is an important tool to help logistics staff communicate effectively with customers and international partners, access technical documents, advanced management software and quickly update international standards.”

However, the number of logistics personnel graduating from 100% English programs in Vietnam is still very limited. Most students are trained in Vietnamese, making it difficult for many of them, despite their professional skills, to work in an international environment. This increases retraining costs and limits businesses' ability to expand their markets.

Vietnam's logistics industry is facing the need to develop high-quality human resources in terms of skills, professional knowledge, and specialized English.

PHOTO: YEN THI

Some universities have now implemented 100% or 50-57% logistics training programs in English, such as International University (Ho Chi Minh City National University), University of Technology (Ho Chi Minh City National University), RMIT University Vietnam, Foreign Trade University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology... Recently, Hong Bang International University has been added.

Associate Professor, Dr. Ho Thanh Phong, Principal of Hong Bang International University, said that students studying a 100% English program must ensure that they can use it after finishing the course. If students do not have enough English proficiency when entering, they need to gradually improve their English.

Associate Professor, Dr. Ho Thanh Phong talks about the logistics training program

PHOTO: YEN THI

A representative of Thien Long Logistics Company said that when logistics personnel are proficient in specialized English, businesses will evaluate them as 'professionals'. In addition, learning a second foreign language such as Chinese also opens up more job opportunities for students.

In addition to foreign languages, experts suggest strongly integrating technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into the training program. According to Master Nguyen Thanh Nha, enhancing technology and AI in the training program is very necessary. Design many subjects related to technology, which will be suitable for the needs and orientation of students.

A representative of Thien Long Trading and Service Company Limited shared that the strong development of technology and AI also poses new requirements. Many logistics enterprises in the world have put robots into operation, but there are still many positions that need humans to take on. Therefore, future logistics human resources need to be both good at professional skills and knowledgeable about technology to adapt to the trend.

Some schools training in logistics

North: Foreign Trade University , University of Economics ( Hanoi National University), National Economics University, University of Transport, Vietnam Maritime University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, University of Transport Technology, Hanoi University of Industry, Thang Long University, University of Economics (Da Nang University), University of Economics (Hue University)...

South: University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; International University (Ho Chi Minh City National University), University of Technology (Ho Chi Minh City National University), Hong Bang International University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, RMIT University Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Van Lang University, Saigon International University, Van Hien University, Gia Dinh University, Duy Tan University, Tay Do University, Ba Ria-Vung Tau University...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhan-su-logistics-viet-nam-gioi-nghiep-vu-nhung-yeu-tieng-anh-185250815173604732.htm