Navigating the Future: The Importance of Career Orientation for Youth in Vietnam
In the bustling city of Hải Phòng, high school students gathered recently for the Career Counselling and Orientation Programme aimed at preparing them for the 2024 academic year. This event underscores an essential need in Việt Nam today: guiding the youth through the complexities of the modern job market. With the country in a “golden demographic” phase expected to last until approximately 2038, harnessing the potential of its youthful workforce has become crucial for national development.
The Demographic Landscape
Vietnam is experiencing a unique demographic scenario. According to the General Statistics Office, the country boasts a substantial labour force, totaling approximately 52.4 million individuals aged 15 and above. Yet, a glaring concern persists: around 437,300 youths aged 15-24 are currently unemployed, making up over 41% of the total unemployed population. This paradox exists alongside the ageing demographic, revealing a pressing need to address the skills gap among young workers.
The Skills Barrier
As Vietnam stands at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge, low skills remain a significant barrier for many young workers. Experts emphasize the critical role of youth in national development, yet many find themselves ill-equipped to meet the demands of the job market. Nearly 27% of the workforce holds diplomas or certificates, highlighting a significant challenge in enhancing the professional and technical skills of Vietnamese youth.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that every five years, 30% of existing professional skills become obsolete, necessitating continuous learning and adaptability. This reality stresses the urgency of equipping young individuals with not only occupational skills but also the agility to navigate the rapid changes of a globalized economy.
Embracing Industry 4.0
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution reshapes traditional roles, new job opportunities are emerging. However, these opportunities will require a different set of skills. It is vital for educational institutions to provide not just vocational training but also to foster soft skills that help young people thrive in a technology-driven environment.
Trương Minh Huy Vũ, a deputy director at the Institute for Research and Development in Hồ Chí Minh City, points out a noticeable gap between the skills young workers possess and those the market demands. This mismatch inhibits the effective utilization of trained labour and contributes to a continuous shortage of skilled workers.
The Path Forward
Experts stress that improving the quality of the workforce, particularly among young people, is an imperative. Young individuals in Vietnam aspire for secure, high-income employment, and addressing the skills gap is essential. Representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs assess that low skill levels are a significant barrier to entering the Industry 4.0 job market. Thus, reforms in the vocational education system are urgently needed to adapt to these evolving industry requirements.
Provinces like Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu are taking proactive steps in this regard, realizing their crucial economic role in the South. The local government is promoting vocational training and upskilling for the younger demographic, aiming for 30% of the labour force to hold vocational certificates by 2025 and 80% to have information technology skills.
Innovative Training Programs
Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu’s initiatives also include developing high-quality training institutions. A notable example is the Lilama 2 International Technology College, which aims to meet international training standards. In partnership with BTEC Pearson of the UK, the college is set to launch training programs focused on semiconductor technology and carbon credit applications in manufacturing, catering to emerging sectors in the economy.
The semiconductor programme is structured over three years while the carbon credit specialization includes short-term training lasting from three to six months. These initiatives are crucial for preparing young individuals to meet the demands of a modern workforce and to adapt to industry trends.
The Future of Vocational Education
As Vietnam continues to embrace its youthful population, the importance of refining vocational education cannot be overstated. Preparing a skilled labour force not only boosts individual employability but significantly enhances national productivity. In a world where vocational skills are becoming the currency of the future labour market, Vietnam’s young people must be equipped to thrive in both local and global contexts.
Programs such as the Career Counselling and Orientation provide a solid foundation for this transformation, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment between education, industry demands, and the evolving landscape of work. The future is bright, but it requires concerted efforts and innovative strategies to unlock the full potential of Vietnam’s youth.