Training high-quality human resources: No time to lose

Dong Nai’s economy is on track to return to a phase of strong growth and is well positioned to achieve double-digit growth goal from 2026. In particular, high-tech projects have increased markedly as high-quality infrastructure continues to improve.

Air traffic control personnel deployed by Airports Corporation of Vietnam to support the first flight operations at Long Thanh International Airport. Photo: Cong Nghia

Experts from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, the adviser on Dong Nai’s economic development strategy for 2023–2026, say demand for high-tech workers in the province will rise sharply in the coming years as growth momentum strengthens. The outlook underscores a rare opportunity for local training institutions to accelerate education reform and expand the supply of high-quality talent.

Seizing a golden opportunity

Lilama 2 International Technology College, a vocational institution based in Long Phuoc Commune, has established a strong reputation among major enterprises for delivering industry-ready, highly skilled workers. The college has partnered with Bosch Vietnam, part of Germany’s Bosch Group, for over 20 years to run industrial vocational training programs aligned with German federal standards (TGA), reflecting a long-standing and results-driven cooperation. It is also a recognized member of the European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB) and several other respected international vocational bodies, a distinction achieved by only a handful of vocational colleges in Vietnam.

As the Long Thanh International Airport project moved forward, Lilama 2 International Technology College positioned itself early to support the aviation sector’s growing demand for skilled labor. The college has forged partnerships with key aviation stakeholders, including Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Saigon Ground Services JSC (SAGS), aligning its training programs with industry needs. It is now delivering its first aviation training courses through a combination of on-campus instruction and hands-on training at airline aircraft maintenance facilities.

Nguyen Khanh Cuong, Principal of Lilama 2 International Technology College, said the institution can supply skilled workers for the Long Thanh International Airport project, spanning mechatronics, mechanical engineering and airport maintenance, with aircraft maintenance to be added next. He added that the college ultimately aims to position itself as a technical training hub for aviation, seaports and logistics, leveraging its proximity to Long Thanh International Airport, Phuoc An Port, the Cai Mep–Thi Vai port complex and a well-developed transport network.

Recently, KN Holdings has kicked off two large-scale investment projects for the construction and operation of Bau Can–Tan Hiep industrial park and Xuan Que–Song Nhan industrial park, signalling a push into next-generation manufacturing hubs in southern Vietnam. Designed as new-generation industrial parks, both projects are aimed at high-tech industries such as semiconductors, electronic components, advanced materials, electric vehicle batteries, electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, sectors associated with high value-added production. KN Holdings has partnered from the outset with the National Innovation Center (NIC), Viettel Group and Lilama 2 International Technology College to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the needs of advanced manufacturing.

Le Nu Thuy Duong, Vice Chairwoman and Chief Executive of KN Holdings, said: “We place strong emphasis on workforce training and talent development to meet the needs of companies expected to invest in our industrial parks, including Bau Can–Tan Hiep and Xuan Que–Song Nhan. Matching modern industrial infrastructure with a deep pool of skilled labour strengthens investor appeal and helps generate well-paid jobs, particularly for local communities near our developments.”

Expectation for a more robust rollout of the training system

Dong Nai is rapidly reshaping its investment attraction model, leveraging modern, integrated infrastructure and an increasingly open and business-friendly policy environment. The province is being anchored by major developments such as Long Thanh International Airport, Phuoc An Port, newly launched next-generation industrial parks, and an expanding network of expressways and rail links connecting key economic regions. Its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, access to the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-sea port complex and the emergence of an international financial centre are expected to provide fresh momentum in attracting high-tech projects and large-scale capital inflows.

Operating under an autonomy mechanism of a private school, we are positioning ourselves early in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and logistics. The approach begins with upgrading facilities and sending lecturers overseas for master’s and doctoral training in these disciplines, with the expectation that they return to contribute locally. Such capacity-building requires significant time and resources, and stronger provincial support would help accelerate the process and bring training programs into operation more quickly.

Nguyen Kim Long, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, said the province is reshaping its investment strategy as part of a shift toward faster, more sustainable and environmentally driven growth. The approach centres on supporting current investors and directing new investment flows toward high-tech projects with higher value added, lower labour intensity and strong environmental performance. The strategy also places a premium on building a skilled workforce, seen as a key factor alongside industrial infrastructure and open policies, particularly in emerging sectors including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, chip manufacturing, aviation, high-speed rail, logistics and advanced materials.

According to the Dong Nai’s Department of Education and Training, the province now has four universities, two university branches and 12 vocational colleges following the merger of Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai. However, the development among universities and colleges in the province remains uneven, marked by the gaps in facilities and limited programme diversity, while training capacity has lagged behind the needs of emerging industries. Several institutions are under strain to sustain existing programmes due to a shortage of lecturers with doctoral qualifications. Against this backdrop, training providers face mounting pressure to accelerate reform to keep pace with the province’s evolving investment strategy.

At a recent conference on restructuring schools and training institutions in Dong Nai province, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized quality over quantity in vocational training. The government is consolidating public vocational institutions, focusing investment on key areas and aligning training standards with international benchmarks. Programs are expanding in strategic sectors including aviation, electronics, semiconductors, microchip production, artificial intelligence, tourism, and services.

By Cong Nghia – Translated by Tam Binh, Thu Ha