### The Skilled Labour Shortage in Hưng Yên Province: An Overview
Hưng Yên Province, located in northern Vietnam, is increasingly becoming a hub for both domestic and international investment. Companies like the Japanese-invested Daikin Vietnam Factory illustrate this transformation, showcasing the technological advancements that come with foreign investments. However, despite the economic opportunities presented by these investments, many businesses in the region are grappling with a pressing issue: a significant shortage of skilled labour.
### Demographics and Challenges
The province boasts a population of around 3.4 million, with 54% of residents of working age—an impressive statistic that underscores the region’s potential for socio-economic development. However, the reality is stark; only about 80% of the labor force is trained, and a mere 27.5% possess formal qualifications or professional certificates. This gap presents a challenging landscape for employers eager to fill thousands of new jobs.
### Industry-Specific Recruitment Struggles
For companies in Hưng Yên, particularly those in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, the challenges are magnified. Take Shindengen Vietnam Co., Ltd. in Thăng Long II Industrial Park: the need for workers proficient in foreign languages and advanced technical skills remains unfulfilled. Despite extensive job postings, the pool of qualified applicants has been disappointingly small.
Similarly, Lotes Vietnam Co., Ltd., located in the Liên Hà Thái Industrial Park and specializing in electronic components, faces a daunting task. The company seeks to hire approximately 1,000 skilled workers for various technical positions, including machining, stamping, plastic moulding, and electroplating. Offering attractive incentives like meal subsidies and housing assistance has not been enough to bridge the skills gap.
### The Mismatch in Vocational Training
According to Tăng Quốc Sử, the Deputy Head of the Labour and Employment Division under the provincial Department of Home Affairs, a significant part of the problem lies in the vocational training programs. These programs have not aligned closely enough with the actual needs of industries, leading to a disconnect between what graduates can offer and what employers require.
### Attracting Skilled Workers: Wages and Retention Issues
Low wages contribute significantly to the skilled worker shortage. Many potential candidates gravitate toward regions offering better pay, while local businesses struggle to implement effective retention strategies. This has resulted in a high turnover rate, where skilled professionals frequently switch jobs in search of better opportunities.
Moreover, rapid technological advancements across industries are continuously altering skill requirements. Many workers find themselves needing to adapt on the fly, which can further complicate the labour landscape.
### Collaborative Efforts for Training and Recruitment
Recognizing the urgency of the skilled labour shortage, many businesses are proactively seeking partnerships with universities and colleges to develop training programs that better serve their needs. This collaboration aims to create a stronger pipeline of qualified graduates ready to enter the workforce.
Vocational schools are revising their training methodologies to better prepare students for the demands of modern industries. For example, Đặng Nguyên Mạnh, the principal of Thái Bình Vocational College, emphasizes the importance of upgrading teacher qualifications and updating training materials. This ongoing effort is geared toward ensuring that students are well-equipped with practical skills that meet evolving market needs.
### Building Bridges: Industry-Academia Collaborations
The Hưng Yên Industrial College is notable for its partnerships with over 20 companies aimed at job placement and workforce training. By updating course modules to align with industry standards, the college seeks to create a curriculum that fosters adaptability in students as they navigate technological changes and career shifts.
Principal Nguyễn Khắc Ngọc highlights the importance of constant communication with local enterprises to understand their specific labour needs better. This ongoing dialogue is pivotal to refining training programs that equip students with the skills employers are eagerly searching for.