Hanoi is aggressively partnering with vocational training institutions throughout the city to encourage more workers to enroll in training programs and provide a large number of stable career prospects.

Free vocational training initiatives

Students majoring in Electrical - Electronics at the Hanoi College of Electronics and Electro-refrigeratory Technics (HCEET). Photo: HCEET

In order to attract more trainees, the Hanoi Center for Employment Service has launched a series of promotional initiatives and information support on the free vocational training policy.

"We are increasing the use of information technology in classroom teaching. Teachers create learning materials in PDF and slide formats for easy download, as well as tutorial videos for specific skills," said Vu Thi Thanh Lieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Center for Employment Service.

She added that the center also strengthens links between trainees and potential employers to create more job opportunities. The agency's statistics show that a significant number of workers are unemployed due to a lack of qualifications or certificates, hence the need for close cooperation with vocational schools.

According to the Hanoi Center for Employment Service, over 690,000 workers have applied for unemployment benefits since 2010. However, only about 27,000 (3.9%) have registered for vocational training assistance.

The Deputy Director of the Hanoi Center for Employment Service explained that many workers, driven by the need for income, prefer to find immediate employment rather than undergo free vocational training, which takes more time.

She underlined that some people choose not to take training because they are unsure of their career path or have access to other employment options.

"Workers in rural areas face challenges in finding the time to attend face-to-face classes. Factors such as lack of funds, the distance to training centers, and the mismatch of training programs with their needs are further barriers to participation," Lieu told The Hanoi Times.

She also said that the level of support for training, as set out in Decision No.46/2015/QD-TTg, remains low and insufficient to cover trainees' commuting and living expenses. This discourages many workers, especially those who are the family breadwinners, from enrolling in short-term courses.

Challenges in training support

The Hanoi Center for Employment Service, in partnership with local businesses, hosts a vocational training course. Photo: Tran Oanh/The Hanoi Times

Pham Quang Vinh, Principal of the Hanoi Mechanical Vocational College I, underscores the need to align training programs with workers’ aspirations. He points out that rigid attendance requirements during weekdays can prevent many from participating, as they often need to work temporarily to cover their daily expenses.

He suggests that vocational education institutions should develop more flexible short-term training curricula. Online training in accounting, online sales, and information technology could free up three to six months of classroom time for students, leading to higher participation rates.

In light of existing policy shortcomings, Dao Trong Do, Director of the Department of Continuing Vocational Training at the Directorate of Vocational Education (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) acknowledged that the current level of support for meals, transportation and training costs outlined in Decision No. 46 is insufficient.

He added that MoLISA would propose amendments to Decision No.46 for the government. In addition, the ministry plans to launch initiatives to improve vocational training in rural areas, upgrade the skills of the Vietnamese workforce, and increase the use of information technology among workers.

"This will equip workers with job-seeking skills and help them adapt quickly to the changing demands of the marketplace," he emphasized.

At present, the proposed amendments to Decision No. 46 are being reviewed by the relevant authorities, with a focus on increasing the level of support, empowering local authorities to determine support for various beneficiaries, and involving organizations in vocational training efforts.

In addition, the draft revised Labor Law is expected to include provisions to support workers participating in vocational training.

The Deputy Director of Hanoi's Employment Service Center suggested that the city increase funding for jobless people attending vocational training courses to cover their lunch and transportation expenses. Many workers from different regions pursue their education in Hanoi because of the variety of training opportunities.

"Many workers have expressed a strong desire for further support to help them overcome their challenges. The assistance they currently receive is only 60% of the average salary in the six months before they became unemployed," Lieu told VnEconomy.

This year, vocational schools in Hanoi will train up to 235,000 people, according to the Hanoi Vocational Training Plan 2024, recently approved by the Hanoi People's Committee.

The plan targets an educational attainment rate of 74.2%, with 54% of the workforce expected to have a degree or certificate.

A key focus of the plan is to involve students, parents, businesses, and workers in the implementation of vocational education and training policies. This collaborative approach will ensure a seamless transition from secondary education to higher levels of learning and vocational training.

The initiative supports the transformation of the workforce structure by embracing scientific and technological advances during the Fourth Industrial Revolution, preparing Hanoi's workforce for the future.