Vocational training and workforce supply for Long Thanh International Airport

(ĐN) – To ensure a stable human resources supply for the Long Thanh International Airport project while prioritizing employment support for local residents affected by the development, on February 7, 2025, the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee issued Decision No. 366/QĐ-UBND on “On-site vocational training and workforce development for Long Thanh International Airport from 2024 to 2026, with a vision toward 2030.”

To date, the implementation of this plan has faced numerous challenges. Due to the specialized nature of the aviation industry, universities and colleges in the province have largely been unable to participate in training efforts, or can only provide basic-level training in the initial stages.

Lilama 2 partners in training workforce for Long Thanh International Airport.

Plan implementation progress remains slow

Regarding objectives, the plan aims to train and support job placement at the airport (both inside and outside the airport) for approximately 4,800 local workers by 2030. Specifically, from now until 2026, the plan will implement integrated training policies for 1,600 people; from 2027 to 2030, it will combine integrated training with contracted training programs for an additional 3,200 people.

Currently, only a few vocational education and training institutions in Dong Nai have established partnerships to train human resources for the aviation sector. Leading the way is Lilama 2 International Technology College, which has partnered with the Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) to jointly train personnel in four specialized fields: aircraft and equipment maintenance; flight operations and dispatch; operation of aviation equipment and vehicles in restricted airport areas; and ground services for flight operations. The college is also collaborating with VAECO (Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company) to provide training in several aviation engineering disciplines.

In June 2024, Dong Nai High-Tech College also signed a cooperation agreement with VJAA to provide training in similar aviation disciplines, using a model of 2 years of study at the college followed by 1 year of practical training at partner institution using specialized aviation equipment. Apart from the two aforementioned colleges, most other vocational education and training institutions in the province have yet to establish cooperative programs in the aviation sector.

Need for job placement commitment

Due to the aviation industry’s strict safety, security, and quality requirements, personnel must meet high professional and language standards and hold professional certification issued by training institutions approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

For specific aviation positions directly related to flight safety such as pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance technicians, stricter standards must be applied.

Given the specific requirements of the aviation industry, it is evident that local universities and vocational education institutions in the province cannot provide independent training. Instead, they must collaborate with schools within the national aviation training system. Currently, there are 25 training institutions certified by the CAAV as qualified to provide professional training for aviation personnel. To proactively train and supply human resources for Long Thanh International Airport, universities and colleges in the province need to establish training partnerships with these certified institutions.

The Vietnam Aviation Academy is currently planning to build a new training facility in Phuoc Thai commune, Dong Nai province, but the project has been delayed due to land clearance issues.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Le Truong Son, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, has directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment and relevant units to focus on resolving the matter in order to create the most favorable conditions for the project.

According to Principal Le Dinh of Dong Nai High-Tech College, cooperation in aviation training remains challenging. He proposed that graduates from related fields could be recruited and then receive additional training to obtain professional certification. To address the issue of foreign language proficiency, he suggested that the province provide financial support to help trainees improve their language skills.

One of the key challenges in vocational training for Long Thanh International Airport is the high training costs, while local residents remain uncertain about their job prospects after graduation. Therefore, according to Vice Principal Pham Duy Dong of the College of Mechanics and Irrigation, there needs to be a commitment to job placement after training.

“We can provide technical training, but if we cannot guarantee employment for our trainees, we will lose the trust of the local community,” Mr. Dong expressed his concern.

According to a representative of the Long Thanh International Airport Operations Preparation Board, students who meet the required criteria, complete vocational certification training, and obtain their certificates will be offered employment. However, from the outset, candidates must be screened based on employer standards and meet the required output qualifications. This means that vocational schools can recruit current students to participate in airport-specific training programs.

Deputy Director Do Dang Bao Linh of the Department of Education and Training stated that the department would be responsible for advising on the funding levels for learners. He also noted that the department had proposed the provincial People’s Committee work with relevant agencies to sign cooperation agreements that ensure job placement for graduates.

By H.Yen/Translated by M.N-H.T