Opportunities for disadvantaged youth to enter the digital economy

Vocational training for disadvantaged youth

One of the examples of efforts to bridge the digital and gender gap in the technology sector is the project “Towards the Future of Digital Transformation in Vietnam”, implemented by Plan International Vietnam in collaboration with REACH Institute, with funding from Lenovo Group through the TransforME Grant Round program. The project will be implemented from April 2024 to March 2025, aiming to support disadvantaged youth, especially women, to access short-term courses in the technology sector, connect with jobs and improve personal capacity.

Although the project lasted only one year, it has brought impressive results: 207 young people participated in vocational training courses in the digital field, including 2D graphic design, 3D design and Digital Marketing; of which 42% were female – a very encouraging number given the gender bias that still exists in the technology industry. 85% of students were employed after graduation, showing the high practical effectiveness of the program. In addition, 213 other young people were trained in life skills and gender equality, helping them to be more confident when entering the labor market.

Unlike the traditional university path, vocational training, especially short-term training in the digital field, is becoming a “fast track” to help disadvantaged youth easily access stable jobs and sustainable income. At REACH Institute, courses last only 3 to 6 months but are systematically designed, integrating both professional knowledge and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, interview skills, etc. At the same time, thanks to a wide network of partner businesses, students are connected to recruitment immediately after completing the program.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Tam - Director of REACH Institute: “Digital transformation is not only a technology story but also a powerful lever for human development, especially for disadvantaged youth groups. More than 200 students from the project not only have jobs but also have a brighter future. That is the motivation for us to continue expanding this model”.

It is worth mentioning that the students in the project do not simply study to get a job, but also mature in self-awareness and social role. Lo Duyen Huyen - a former student of the 2D Graphic Design course emotionally shared: "Thanks to the course, I not only have a stable job but also know how to love myself and believe in myself. I can take care of my life and help my mother. Each product I make is a step forward in the journey to maturity."

Closing the gender gap in technology

According to the Vietnam Women’s Union, although women account for about 37% of the workforce in the technology sector in Vietnam, higher than the global average of 25%, they are still mainly in positions such as testing, marketing, sales, administration and human resources, rather than technical roles such as software development. The gender gap is also evident in leadership and management positions in the technology sector. Women have less access to leadership, management positions or senior technical jobs, even though they may have the same or even superior skills and qualifications as men.

This is a huge psychological barrier for young women - especially those from remote areas and difficult circumstances. The project "Towards the future of digital transformation in Vietnam" has not only provided training opportunities but also strongly inspired gender equality. Ms. Le Quynh Lan - Country Director of Plan International Vietnam emphasized: "The project has exceeded the set target thanks to the determination of REACH Institute and the tireless efforts of young people, especially young women. Their success is a living proof to eliminate social prejudices, affirming that women can completely master technology".

Towards “a fair, inclusive and sustainable digital Vietnam”

The “Towards the Future of Digital Transformation in Vietnam” project is one of many replicable models to promote vocational training associated with digital transformation. The lessons learned from this project – such as how to design short-term courses that are relevant to market realities, how to integrate soft skills and gender awareness, or how to connect with recruiting businesses – can all be applied in other localities.

Currently, according to statistics from the General Department of Vocational Education, the former Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (now the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education, the Ministry of Education and Training), every year there are hundreds of thousands of young people who graduate from high school but do not continue to university. This is a potential resource for digital vocational training. If there are more programs to support tuition fees, provide equipment, and connect with jobs like the models of REACH and Plan International, tens of thousands of young people can "turn the tables", rise up to master technology and build a sustainable future, towards a fair, inclusive and sustainable digital Vietnam - where no one is left behind.

Hong Minh

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/co-hoi-cho-thanh-nien-co-hoan-canh-kho-khan-buoc-vao-nen-kinh-te-so-post543961.html