Vocational colleges in peak enrollment season

Following administrative restructuring, Dong Nai retains 10 vocational colleges, including two in the northern area and eight in the southern area of the city. For the upcoming 2026–2027 academic year, these institutions expect to recruit over 15,000 students across intermediate and college-level vocational programs.

Students at LILAMA 2 International Technology College undergo practical training with industrial robotic systems.

Nguyen Khanh Cuong, Rector of LILAMA 2 International Technology College (Long Phuoc Commune), noted: "Entering the new enrollment season, our school faces little pressure thanks to our training reputation among learners and enterprises. In particular, technical majors are strategically aligned with Dong Nai City's rapid development, strong foreign direct investment attraction, and the pressing demand for technical personnel driven by Long Thanh International Airport."

Opportunities for vocational students

For the 2026-2027 academic year, LILAMA 2 International Technology College plans to enroll more than 1,200 students in technical programs. These include programs related to the maintenance and repair of airport ground support equipment, namely electromechanical equipment maintenance, mechanical equipment maintenance, automotive technology, and airport cargo handling management, a relatively new discipline. The college also offers enrollment in industrial electricity, welding technology, industrial automation, electrical installation, industrial control engineering, and telecommunications electronics.

According to an admissions specialist at LILAMA 2 International Technology College, despite it being the peak recruitment period for universities, the college has already received a large volume of enrollment applications. Most applicants selected vocational paths early on. Nguyen Thanh Hoang, a student residing in Long Thanh Ward, shared: "→ Before graduating from high school in 2026, I had already decided to pursue aviation vocational training. With Long Thanh International Airport coming into operation soon and expanding further in the future, employment opportunities will be immense."

Meanwhile, Le Dinh Tham, Rector of Dong Nai College of Technology and Engineering, stated: Following restructuring, the institution operates three training campuses located in Tran Bien, Long Thanh, and Nhon Trach Wards. The college's core strength lies in training technical majors at intermediate, college, and top-up college levels. All three campuses benefit from proximity to major industrial zones across the city, with the second and third campuses situated close to Long Thanh International Airport.

Elaborating on enrollment plans, Le Dinh Tham noted that Campus 1 in Tran Bien Ward expects to recruit over 1,600 students across 15 majors; Campus 2 in Long Thanh Ward targets over 1,400 students across 14 majors; and Campus 3 in Nhon Trach Ward plans to enroll nearly 1,000 students across 8 majors. Currently, all campuses are actively accepting applications. Despite competing with peak university admissions, application volumes remain robust, reflecting a positive shift in public perception toward vocational education and future career prospects for youth.

According to Nguyen Anh Tuan, Vice General Director of KN Holdings Group, the corporation is developing two next-generation industrial parks adjacent to Long Thanh International Airport. In the near future, investing enterprises will require a substantial technical workforce. Consequently, KN Holdings has entered into training cooperation agreements with colleges to develop human resources. In practice, skilled workers often find employment more readily.

High employment prospects

According to administrators from various vocational colleges, the societal obsession with traditional academic degrees is gradually shifting. While many high school graduates aspire to pursue university degrees for personal development, many others realistically evaluate their academic capability and financial circumstances to choose vocational tracks early. This choice proves well-suited for many high school graduates due to shorter training periods, reduced financial burdens, and, most importantly, a high probability of immediate employment.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Manh, Rector of Sonadezi College of Technology and Management (Long Hung Ward), noted that the corporate appetite for technical and technological personnel remains in a prolonged state of "thirst." Consequently, vocational college graduates consistently enjoy high job prospects, particularly in fields such as garment technology, footwear technology, electronics technology, and tour guiding. In several disciplines, especially garment and footwear technology, students secure employment offers before graduation.

Vocational colleges are increasingly recognized as key providers of skilled technical workers for industry. Shin Dong Chul, General Director of KSM ENG Vina Co., Ltd., located in Giang Dien Industrial Park, Trang Bom Ward, emphasized that educational qualifications are only one factor in recruitment. "What matters most is an applicant's competence, practical ability, and technical skills. Many vocational college graduates possess strong hands-on capabilities because they receive extensive practical training during their studies," he said.

Dong Nai is vigorously overhauling its investment attraction model, prioritizing high-tech projects while accelerating the development of three next-generation industrial parks. This growth will create substantial demand for technically skilled workers, particularly in fields such as automation engineering, electronics, refrigeration, industrial systems operation, and mechanical engineering. Universities are not the only institutions involved. Industrial park developers are also signing training cooperation agreements with reputable vocational colleges known for the quality of their programs to develop human resources for investors.

By Cong Nghia – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho