Training for experts in the sanitation sector
Project description
Title: Reforming technical and vocational education and training in Viet Nam – field of activity 3: training for experts in the sanitation sector
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA)
Overall term: 2010 to 2020
Context
Viet Nam is aiming to become an industrialised country by 2020 while following a path of green growth. Vocational education is central to this aspiration, with the demand for skilled workers increasing steadily as the economy continues to grow, new technical challenges emerge and the country pursues regional and international competitiveness.
Viet Nam’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system is not yet adequately focused on the country’s economic and social needs. The employment potential in growth sectors cannot be utilised owing to a lack of skilled workers. At the same time, around one million people enter the labour market each year in search of employment to earn a living.
The Government of Viet Nam has therefore put vocational skills training and employment promotion at the heart of its development goals. It aims to raise the proportion of trained workers from 32 per cent at present to 55 per cent by 2020. It also wants to align vocational training more closely with the demands of a green and sustainable economy.
Objective
The training available for the labour force in Viet Nam has improved and has been adapted to meet the needs of a green and sustainable economy.
Approach
The project contributes to improving the quality and increasing the number of training and skill enhancement programmes in the sanitation sector, and to ensuring that the programmes are systematically institutionalised. Professional standards and a training programme will be developed and piloted in collaboration with the business sector. Policies on the cooperation and collaborative efforts will be agreed and adopted, and communication structures will be established between the business sectors, other key social partners, the vocational training institute and the responsible public bodies.
Training will be provided to teachers, trainers and school management representatives, who will apply their improved skills to deliver employment-oriented vocational training for the sanitation sector.
Public relations activities related to the pilot measure, including image campaigns and information materials, aim to increase the social acceptance and recognition of vocational training for the sanitation sector.
The consulting consortium GOPA-PLANCO was commissioned to implement TVET for Skilled Workers in the Wastewater Sector.
Results
- The professional standards for wastewater technology experts, a new career in Viet Nam, have been developed on the basis of the German standard and adapted to local needs in cooperation with the German drinking water and wastewater association and selected member companies. This served as the foundation for a cooperative training programme.
- Trainees learn the theory and acquire practical skills and experience in structured, coordinated training phases at the College of Technology II (HVCT) in Ho Chi Minh City and in five wastewater treatment companies.
- Five teachers and 21 trainers from the partner companies have taken skills enhancement courses to improve their practical expertise, theoretical knowledge and teaching methodology. As certified trainers of the industry association, 11 of the qualified instructors offer practical training courses for technical staff at wastewater treatment companies.
- Six teachers and trainers have been qualified to develop and conduct examinations in Viet Nam based on German standards.
- Image campaigns and other targeted public relations activities, carried out in close cooperation with the industry association, have significantly enhanced the reputation of vocational training for the wastewater treatment sector and that of the pilot institute.