It's never too late
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai - 41 years old, is currently the head of a production workshop of a garment company in Ngoc Hoi commune (Hanoi).
16 years ago, when she moved from her hometown of Thanh Hoa to Hanoi to work, Ms. Hai applied to the current company as a product completion worker. After her continuous efforts, Ms. Hai has a current position with a salary of about 13 million VND/month.
"I started out as a worker, constantly learning from the previous generation in the company. I fully participate in any classes that supplement, improve skills, ensure labor safety organized by the company or send me to school. The more I studied, the more I became weak and lacking, so I determined to study at a college level to study and work in sewing. After finishing my studies, being given the opportunity and support by my superiors, I strived and got the position I have today. I think, learning for workers is never too late, said Ms. Hai.
Ms. Hai's story is not unique. Mr. Nguyen Van Huy (from Tuyen Quang province) came to Hanoi to work as a mechanical worker in Xuan Phuong ward (Hanoi) since 2014. At first, he applied to study a job to have enough to live on, without a salary. After 1 year, he started to have a support salary, without any social insurance or benefits.
Not discouraged, Mr. Hai studyed hard and discussed with his family to register for vocational college at the same time.
In less than 2 years, I graduated from a welding college. My efforts have been rewarded, the days I take advantage of going to school, all the days without school, even every Saturday and Sunday I register to work. Graduating from college was also the time when my skills at the company were much harsher. I was officially hired with a salary of 8 million VND/month, Mr. Hai recounted.
Currently, Mr. Hai is the team leader, with a fixed salary of 15 million VND/month, not to mention overtime and some other benefits.
"Average monthly income is about 18 million VND, I can support myself, send money back to my hometown to support my parents' education," said Mr. Hai.
Equipping skills and knowledge is extremely necessary for workers
Speaking to Lao Dong reporter, Mr. Le Quang Trung - former Deputy Director in charge of the Department of Employment said that in order to have a sustainable position in the labor market and career opportunities, and more open income opportunities, workers must proactively equip themselves with knowledge and skills - this is extremely necessary for their work, regardless of the position.
In the current context, businesses and workers face many challenges and difficulties due to the influence of many factors such as technology, economy, society, etc. On the business side, it is necessary to always update and apply reasonable and effective solutions for each influencing factor; promote training, improve qualifications and professional skills for workers. Workers must be aware of improving their skills, skills and constantly learning to have more solid professional knowledge," said Mr. Trung.
According to Mr. Trung, workers need to carefully research the profession they are pursuing, take the trouble to regularly update information about trends and requirements of the labor market in general and of the enterprise where they work to have an effective study plan.
According to the Statistics Office, in the first quarter of 2025, the rate of trained workers with degrees and certificates was 28.8%. More than 70% of workers do not have professional degrees.
