The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has initiated technical training support to enhance the employment capabilities of Vietnamese youth. The program aims to teach specialized skills needed in industries such as machining and welding, while also providing Korean language education to broaden job opportunities in local and Korean companies.
On October 20, the Vietnam-Korea University of Technology held an opening ceremony for the first and second phases of its advanced vocational training program, supported by KOICA's 'Vocational Training Support Project for Vulnerable Groups in War-Affected Areas and Vietnamese Youth Employment.' The event was attended by KOICA's Vietnam office officials, members of the Project Management Committee (PMC), university staff, and 136 trainees.
This training program focuses on improving both the technical skills and Korean language proficiency of Vietnamese youth. The university has enhanced its existing curriculum by adding advanced theoretical and practical skills, organizing specialized training in areas such as machining, metal cutting, mold making, and welding.
To improve language skills and workplace adaptability necessary for employment in Korean companies, the program also includes Korean language classes and soft skills training. The integration of foreign language education with technical training aims to expand the employment options for trainees.
Preparations for the training program have been underway. The university has collaborated with KOICA experts and the PMC to refine the curriculum and upgrade practical machinery and equipment. Instructors with experience and expertise gained from training in Korea have been assigned to the program. A separate selection process was implemented for trainees, resulting in the final selection of 136 candidates from a pool of 250 applicants, following academic reviews, eligibility assessments, and in-person interviews.
Financial Support for Vulnerable Students and Encouragement for Korean Language Certification
KOICA's support project also includes measures to assist students facing economic hardships in participating in the training. Students from low-income families, those with difficult living conditions, and government-supported households will receive monthly living expenses of 3.5 million VND (approximately $150) for ten months each year over two years. Eligible students can receive a total of 70 million VND (about $3,000) in living expenses.
Additional support is provided to encourage Korean language learning. Trainees who achieve a specified level on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) can receive up to 400,000 VND. A reward system based on academic performance and vocational certification achievements is also in place.
Graduates of the program will have the opportunity to earn degrees in practical skills and Korean standard vocational qualifications. The university plans to train students to achieve a TOPIK level of 3 or higher, laying the groundwork for employment in Korean companies operating in Vietnam or in Korea.
Ho Van Dam, president of the Vietnam-Korea University of Technology, stated at the opening ceremony, "KOICA's Phase 4 project exemplifies the friendly cooperative relationship between the Vietnamese and Korean governments and demonstrates KOICA's trust and support for our university in the field of vocational education linked to sustainable employment." He further explained the university's commitment to actively utilize educational facilities, equipment, and faculty while closely collaborating with KOICA and partner companies to enhance the quality and operational outcomes of the training.
This initiative focuses on providing Vietnamese youth, who have relatively limited opportunities for industrial technology education, with a pathway to learn both specialized skills and foreign languages. It also aims to support the participation of vulnerable youth in education while fostering skilled labor necessary for economic cooperation between Vietnam and Korea. The university plans to implement practical training and employment linkage programs to ensure that trainees acquire the skills and language abilities demanded in the actual industrial field.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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