Number of vocational students in Ho Chi Minh City increases

The number of students enrolled in vocational schools reached more than 377,400 last year, the highest since 2020.

According to the announcement of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City in mid-August, this number increased by more than 150,000 people compared to 2021 and exceeded the set target by nearly 2%.

In the first 6 months of 2023, vocational training institutions recruited more than 150,000 students, reaching more than 50% of the plan.

Previously, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, most vocational schools in Ho Chi Minh City did not meet their enrollment targets. Specifically, in 2020, schools recruited more than 338,700 people. In 2021, the number of vocational students decreased sharply, reaching only 223,600 people, equivalent to 60.28% of the set target.

The Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs added that by the end of July, the number of vocational students in the city was more than 370,000. Of which, college level accounted for the most with more than 177,000 people; intermediate level (more than 126,000), the rest were elementary level (more than 33,800).

The trend of choosing majors has also changed. The number of students choosing 9 main service majors (Trade; Transportation and Warehousing; Tourism; Post, Telecommunications and Information and Communications; Finance, Credit, Banking, Insurance; Real Estate Business; Information Consulting Services - Science and Technology; Education and Training; Healthcare) has gradually decreased, from more than 73% in 2020 to more than 49% last year.

In contrast, four key industries (Mechanics, Electronics - Information Technology, Food Processing, Pharmaceuticals - Rubber) attract learners, accounting for more than 41% in 2021 and 2022.

A small number of students choose 8 majors with free movement of labor within ASEAN (Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Construction, Accounting, Architecture, Surveying and Tourism) or other professions.

Ho Chi Minh City currently has 376 vocational education institutions, an increase of 9 compared to 2021. Types include colleges, intermediate schools, vocational education centers, vocational education - continuing education centers and businesses registered for vocational education activities.

Of which, training at enterprises accounts for the largest number with 178 facilities, followed by colleges (62 facilities) and intermediate schools (60).

The Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs assessed that career guidance and student orientation after high school graduation have been widely implemented, closer to society.

Professional knowledge and vocational skills of graduates from vocational schools are increasingly approaching production reality, meeting the recruitment needs of businesses.

However, enrollment in vocational and short-term training schools still accounts for a high proportion. The Department assesses that vocational students tend to want to learn quickly and enter the labor market early. This may make it difficult for most of them to adapt to rapid changes in science and technology compared to workers with intermediate and college degrees.

On the other hand, secondary and vocational colleges are passive in recruiting sources when students have more and more opportunities to enter universities. Meanwhile, the reputation, training quality, and teaching conditions of the schools are not guaranteed or do not attract students.

Students of Saigon Polytechnic College during a practice session in March. Photo: BKC — Students of Saigon Polytechnic College during a practice session in March. Photo: *BKC*

Late last year, the General Department of Vocational Education, Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, said that vocational schools recruited nearly 2.45 million students, an increase of 500,000 people compared to 2021 and the highest in the past 5 years.

This agency believes that the advantage of vocational education is the large number of occupations. Currently, there are about 800 occupations at intermediate level, 400 at college level, not including elementary level and short-term courses for certificates.

Le Nguyen

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