'Cooperation triangle' in career guidance and orientation: Anticipating labor trends

The right and necessary direction

According to Mr. Ha Van Hai - Principal of My Tho High School (Ninh Binh), career guidance and orientation is one of the key tasks of general education , especially in the context of a large number of students flocking to universities. This not only puts pressure on the university education system, but also causes the labor market to fall into a serious imbalance.

The cooperation model between enterprises - vocational schools - general schools is a correct direction, in line with the trend of education linked to practice, helping to shorten the gap between schools and the labor market. This model creates a close connection loop, supporting students to have a clearer view of career options and future development paths.

“In this model, each party plays an important role. Enterprises provide practical requirements from the market, vocational schools adjust training programs towards application, and general schools are the places to 'sow seeds' of awareness and inspire career passion in students from an early age. The cooperation between enterprises and vocational schools will ensure training quality close to reality,” said Mr. Ha Van Hai.

Dr. Dong Van Ngoc - Principal of Hanoi College of Electromechanics (HCEM) shared that in recent years, the school has regularly cooperated with many large domestic and international business partners in various fields. In particular, promoting tripartite cooperation between businesses - vocational schools - general schools is also one of the school's priorities.

In the development of the times, the school has just signed a cooperation agreement on training in artificial intelligence and data science at the undergraduate level with the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJAIT). This is part of the school's education internationalization strategy, providing opportunities to access European-standard training programs, combining modern theory and in-depth practical skills.

Along with international cooperation, Hanoi College of Electromechanics promotes connections with local high schools, organizing career orientation for grade 10 students with the support of experts from HCEM, Glovia Center and PJAIT Academy. Thanks to that, students and parents can clearly visualize the learning path, study abroad opportunities and future career development direction.

“We have close cooperation with many large enterprises from Japan, Germany, China and Korea, directly placing orders for high-quality engineering training. This is a testament to the training orientation closely linked to practical needs, helping students not only study in a modern environment, but also be ready to enter the international labor market,” said Dr. Dong Van Ngoc.

Identify the challenge

From a grassroots perspective, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nham Huyen - Principal of Truong Dinh High School (Hanoi) said that the school has just signed a cooperation agreement with Hanoi College of Electromechanics and has planned for students to participate in career orientation experiences in the new school year 2025 - 2026. The school will classify students according to their learning ability and strengths to advise and direct them appropriately.

The Principal said that the close cooperation between the practical needs of enterprises, the training capacity of vocational schools and the ability to advise and guide careers from high schools will contribute to shaping a clearer picture of the future labor market. When visiting enterprises, students will experience everything from being a worker, learning a trade to studying at university.

From a practical perspective, Mr. Ha Van Hai said that, although highly appreciated, the three-way cooperation model between enterprises, vocational schools and general schools is still facing many challenges; the connection between the parties is still fragmented, just a movement or an event. Many enterprises are still on the sidelines, not really considering career guidance and vocational training as their job.

According to Principal of My Tho High School Ha Van Hai, we need a clear legal framework and a three-party coordination mechanism with specific responsibilities. Memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements need to be signed periodically to ensure long-term and sustainable commitments.

Organizing practical experience sessions at businesses and vocational schools, inviting successful alumni in the career field to exchange and inspire will be more effective. Incorporating career guidance content into experiential lessons, local education, or building separate topics to help students understand themselves, understand their careers and have a clear direction right from grade 10.

From a business perspective, Mr. Pham Xuan Hieu - Deputy Head of Sales Department, Telematic Joint Stock Company (Hanoi) acknowledged that one of the current challenges is that many students and parents still pursue "hot industries" instead of basing on the actual needs of the labor market, or have not properly assessed their own abilities and sometimes lack confidence.

In terms of solutions, Mr. Hieu said that it is necessary to build a common database on national labor needs, updated quarterly. Schools use this data to adjust enrollment plans and program content. Create a multi-dimensional information channel between students - parents and businesses - schools to make career prospects transparent.

Enterprises can participate in designing curriculum, providing practical solutions to be included in lectures. Organize early internships (before grade 12 or summer) for students to experience the profession before choosing a major. Apply a dual training model, paralleling theory at school and practice at enterprises. Enterprises commit to giving priority to recruiting candidates who have passed the career orientation/streaming program.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/tam-giac-hop-tac-trong-phan-luong-huong-nghiep-don-dau-xu-the-lao-dong-post744047.html