An interesting and unique classroom on the rooftop.

(NLĐO) - The "hands-on" training model between vocational schools and associations is opening up many job opportunities for skilled engineers and recent graduates alike.

As Vietnam accelerates its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the renewable energy sector is becoming a magnet for employment.

A special classroom on the rooftop.

At Cao Thang Technical College (Ho Chi Minh City), from the beginning of March 2026 until now, the solar power installation training courses have consistently maintained a class size of around 50 students. The classes include not only students but also skilled workers, technicians, and engineers currently working at businesses belonging to the Ho Chi Minh City Renewable Energy Association.

Mr. Tran Quoc Tam, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Renewable Energy Association, shared experiences and opportunities for developing the solar energy industry in the new era.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Chi Phi, Head of the Electrical and Electronics Department at Cao Thang Technical College, said this is a pioneering training model organized by the school in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Renewable Energy Association, aiming to standardize the technical workforce right from the school level.

"The trainees are fully equipped with skills, from calculation and cost estimation to construction, operation, and repair. We take the trainees to practice directly on rooftops, from factory roofs to residential houses, so that they can grasp the real-world situation as closely as possible," Dr. Phi introduced.

According to Mr. Phi, the "golden" aspect of this model is the close collaboration between the association and businesses. Lecturers play a core role in theory, while businesses provide materials, equipment, and send experts to guide specific skills and practical experience at construction sites.

Students practice right on the rooftop of Cao Thang Technical College.

Paid internships lead to job placements.

Cao Thang Technical College also offers a separate short-term training course on renewable energy (specializing in solar energy), using a blended learning format combining online and offline courses. In recent years, the number of students has increased significantly, from a few hundred to approximately 1,000 people per year.

Nguyen Khanh Duy (23 years old) said that after working in Binh Duong (formerly) for 3 years, he decided to return to university and study industrial electrical engineering.

During his internship at the company, Duy was surprised to earn an income of 6 million VND per month. After completing his internship, Duy was able to start working immediately without a probationary period.

"Although it's only an internship salary, it's higher than my previous fixed salary. More importantly, I received hands-on guidance from senior engineers, and after only two months, I was able to confidently install real-world systems," Duy said excitedly.

By combining study and work, students gain valuable "real-world" experience directly within the company. Furthermore, this is an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities to potential employers.

Students are interning at Nhat Hung Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. After the internship, students who wish to do so will be offered immediate employment by the company.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Vietnam is the second-largest electricity consumer in Southeast Asia, with a projected annual growth rate of approximately 20% in renewable energy.

Dr. Do Chi Phi noted that the demand for human resources in this industry is currently very high, but the supply is severely lacking. Currently, many students from the university are receiving daily wages of 450,000 - 500,000 VND during their internships. Furthermore, some capable student groups are able to manage and execute large-scale projects, achieving many positive results.

From 2026, Cao Thang Technical College will enroll students in five new training programs: Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Technology, Semiconductor and Microchip Engineering Technology, Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technology, Agricultural Automation Technology, and Financial Technology and Digital Business.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thu-vi-lop-hoc-dac-biet-tren-noc-nha-196260505081640659.htm