Nghe An: Vocational schools attract students due to many advantages.

You get to learn a trade and earn a salary at the same time.

At the end of May, Vy Ngoc Tue (of the Thai ethnic group, Chau Binh commune, Quy Chau district), a student in the Industrial Sewing class at the Vocational School of Economics, Technology and Industry - Handicrafts, received 13 million VND in support for the second semester according to Decision 53/2015/QD-TTg. In addition to support for travel and personal belongings, she receives over 2.3 million VND per month for boarding and is completely exempt from tuition fees.

Many students from mountainous districts are learning a trade while also receiving financial support. This helps alleviate some of the financial burden of studying far from home.

To attract students, starting from the middle of the second semester, staff and teachers of the Vocational School of Economics, Technology, Industry, and Handicrafts visited many localities, diligently going door-to-door to advise on career paths. The school also collaborated with vocational training centers and businesses to organize a Career Guidance Day themed "Bright Path to Dreams - Touching the Future," giving parents and students the opportunity to directly engage with experts and recruiters about career trends.

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Students currently enrolled in vocational training programs have many advantages. They study both general education and vocational skills; they are exempt from tuition fees and receive living support according to government policies. During their studies, they also have the opportunity to participate in practical training and internships at businesses to hone skills relevant to the modern work environment.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh - Vice Principal of the Vocational School of Economics, Technology and Industry - Handicrafts

At the Western Nghe An Economic and Technical College, currently over 85% of the students are children of ethnic minorities, mainly studying agriculture-related fields. To meet the learning needs, this year the school has increased the enrollment quota for the Veterinary Medicine program from 70 to 100 students.

Mr. Tran Xuan Dung, Principal of the Western Nghe An Economic and Technical College, shared: “We have recruited more than 200 out of 450 students for the vocational training program, mostly junior high school graduates. To achieve this result, starting from the end of February, the school actively coordinated with local authorities and directly provided career guidance at high schools.”

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Previously, students and parents were hesitant about vocational training. However, this mindset has changed. Many students, even those with enough points to get into public high schools, now choose vocational training.apprenticeThis shows that providing appropriate counseling and guidance tailored to the capabilities and needs of the labor market is a key factor.

Mr. Tran Xuan Dung - Principal of the Western Nghe An Economic and Technical College

Many opportunities to work abroad.

Nghe An College of Tourism and Commerce recently held a farewell ceremony for six students majoring in Culinary Arts who are embarking on a 12-month internship in Taiwan.

In this program, students receive free language training, a salary of 13.5 million VND per month, and a certificate upon completion. Le Minh Bao, one of the selected students, shared: “When I chose to study at a vocational school, I never thought I would get to do an internship abroad. This is an opportunity for me to improve my professional skills and foreign language abilities, and I hope that after completing the internship program, I will have the opportunity to work in developed countries.”

Strengthening training cooperation and linkages with foreign partners to send students for internships and post-graduation employment is one of the outstanding strengths of Nghe An College of Tourism and Commerce.

Particularly this year, in addition to traditional markets such as Germany, Taiwan, and Japan, the school has expanded its cooperation with several universities in South Korea, creating opportunities for students to continue their studies and work after 6 months of training in Vietnam.

The advantage of the program is that after completing the course, students will be granted a work visa and will also be provided with part-time jobs to cover their living and studying expenses abroad.

Besides opportunities to work abroad, students from vocational schools and above studying hotel and restaurant-related fields are also placed in paid internships starting from their first year. The internship lasts 4 months, from April to August, at partner restaurants and hotels.

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Currently, vocational training is a popular choice among students. From our school's perspective, we always strive to provide the best possible conditions to ensure students can focus on their studies.

Compared to many other training programs, vocational students have distinct advantages, and we are committed to supporting employment for our students immediately after graduation.

Mr. Phan Dang Truong – Head of Training Department, Nghe An College of Tourism and Commerce

Many vocational schools are currently implementing models that offer free foreign language training and strengthen partnerships to enable students to participate in exchange programs, internships, and work abroad in order to attract students.

To attract students, schools need to proactively update and innovate their training programs and teaching methods; at the same time, they should strengthen cooperation and linkages with businesses in training, practical experience, and ensuring policies and benefits for students. In addition, strengthening the connection between the State, schools, and businesses in vocational skills training and job placement for students is a key solution to improve the quality and effectiveness of vocational training today.