Vietnam’s Vocational Training Needs: Opportunities for Collaboration with Australia

By Ho Thai Binh

Vietnam needs skilled workers to support its rapid economic development, but the growth of its skilled labour force isn’t keeping up with demand.

This lack of skilled workers slows Vietnam’s recovery from the pandemic, but it creates an opportunity for Australia’s TAFE sector.

Vietnamese culture values degrees above vocational training, and students lack quality guidance on career options.

This Indo-Pacific Analysis Brief recommends ways Vietnam can work together with Australia to overcome these barriers to increase demand for vocational training in Vietnam and address the skills gap.

It recommends that:

Vietnam

• Creates educational resources, job market forecasts, and public awareness campaigns to reduce cultural barriers on vocational training and help parents and students choose studies based on forward-looking demand.

Australian education providers

• Collaborate with Australian Embassy and Consulate to build credibility and awareness for TAFE using alumni networks and real-life experiences from past students.

• Offer affordable, accessible and fast TAFE programs and support services.