General Information

The Memorandum of Understanding to improve the quality of training in Vietnam (“Joint Declaration”)

The Memorandum of Understanding, which was initiated by the German economy in Vietnam, reflects the desire of the federal government to support the Vietnamese ministries of education (MOET) and work (MOLISA) to improve the quality of training. A declared aim of both participants is to generate better basic conditions for the education policy, so that a training program with practical experience can be ensured. With help of a close cooperation to the economy, the vocational training may reach a stronger orientation need. Economic experts as well as the Vietnamese Government realized that the establishment of a functioning dual vocational education system is unavoidable to meet the need for professionals in Vietnam. 

Vocational training in Vietnam

The application of practical modules within a training education in Vietnam is viewed as advantageous, however, it is not necessarily a part of the training program in the reality. Based on the information of the Vietnamese ministries 60 per cent of the graduates of the training education do not fulfil the companies’ requirements. Despite improved realistic opportunities on the labour market, a vocational education only experiences a low status in the society. An appreciation of the image of professionals, therefore, might help the vocational education program to be accepted and more appreciated by the society and in addition might offer young people an alternative realistic opportunity to an academic education.

Demand of German companies

Jointly together, the GBA and AHK already analysed the need for professionals of German businesses in Vietnam. Around 85 per cent of German investments are situated in the south of the country, particularly in the greater Ho Chi Minh City area (and the surroundings). To increase the value-added share of the production, German companies are challenged by finding and employing suitable qualified personnel for modern machinery and equipment, as well as for efficient production processes. Since, the government is not offering specialists, companies train and educate their staff (“training on the job”). There is no agreement or cooperation between the companies so far, which affects the South of Vietnam the most by an increase of the demand for modern vocational training programs.