A program worth AUD13.8 million (US$10.3 million) funded by the Government of Australia will help Vietnam upskill its workforce in the logistics sector in the 2021-2025 period.

Representatives of the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam's Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the launch of the phase in Hanoi on April 14. Photos: Embassy of Australia in Hanoi

It’s the next phase of the Vietnam-Australia Partnership for Human Resource Development (Aus4Skills program) for Vietnam’s vocational education and training (VET), being launched on April 14 by the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).

In the first phase, which started in 2017, Aus4Skills strengthened the engagement of Vietnam’s logistics industry in VET to help ensure that students graduate with the skills required by logistics employers. 

Since 2017, more than 5,300 Vietnamese vocational students have benefited from improved teaching quality in colleges supported by Aus4Skills. Enrollments in logistics courses in these colleges have increased eight-fold. Graduates from these colleges are in higher demand due to their job readiness.

A high-quality workforce is considered a crucial ingredient for Vietnam to meet its ambitious 2045 target of being a high-income country. Meanwhile, logistics is a priority for Vietnam as it is expected to contribute 8-10% of GDP by 2025. It is also a sector in that Australia has considerable experience.

Vice Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Le Tan Dung at the event.

“In Vietnam, logistics is identified as an important service industry of the national economy that supports connectivity and economic development. A skilled workforce is a key to developing the logistics industry. With the onset of Aus4Skills VET Phase 2, I strongly believe this is another step to realize a shared vision of Australia and Vietnam to upskill the workforce in Vietnam,” said MoLISA Vice Minister Le Tan Dung.

Australia’s assistance, provided by the Aus4Skills program, will focus on continued cooperation with MoLISA’s Directorate for Vocational Education and Training, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), colleges, and industry partners.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie said Australia remains committed to supporting Vietnam’s next stage of development, including by strengthening the skills of Vietnam’s workforce.

“A skilled workforce will help ensure that domestic industries can remain competitive, which is critical to advancing Vietnam’s economic growth and post-pandemic recovery. Australia is pleased to share with Vietnam, through the Aus4Skills program, its own experience in building a dynamic, industry-led VET system,” she emphasized.

The project activities, with continued linkages and inputs from the industry, will offer professional development for Vietnamese vocational teachers, managers, and leaders, frameworks to ensure quality training, and a curriculum that matches the needs of the industry.

Australia’s support will also continue to provide access to training and employment in the logistics sector to women and people with disabilities. Logistics has traditionally been viewed as an industry for men, despite the skills and capabilities that women offer.

Acting Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam Bridget Collier speaks at the launching ceremony.

Commenced in February 2016, Aus4Skills is a five-year program providing support to Vietnam to achieve the shared goal that Vietnam can access and use high-level professional and technical knowledge, skills, and competencies to contribute to the country’s sustainable economic and social development, and enduring links with Australia.

Between 2016 and 2021, the Aus4Skills program has benefitted more than 105,000 Vietnamese students who got improved teaching, curriculum, and management. Education remains a prominent area in the Vietnam-Australia Strategic Partnership.