The policy of supporting vocational training for unemployed workers is expected to be an important "step" to help them change jobs and quickly reintegrate into the labor market.
However, in Vinh Long province, the reality shows that the rate of unemployed workers participating in vocational training is still very low, posing many challenges that need to be solved.
Mr. Nguyen Trung Tin (born in 1995, Binh Tan district) said that after nearly 7 years of working with an income of more than 15 million VND/month for an auto company in Phu Quoc, he had to quit his job to take care of his newborn wife and his family's Thai jackfruit garden.
"With limited time, it is impossible to participate in vocational training under the support program. When the child is old enough, both husband and wife will return to work at the car company they used to work for," Mr. Tin added.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyen in Long Ho district also pointed out the limitations of the program: too short study time (maximum 6 months), simple professions (hair making, sewing, beauty treatments...) and not high qualifications.
"To attract unemployed workers to learn a trade, it is necessary to expand the course to be more flexible, provide highly qualified and well-income occupations, and can support additional living expenses," Ms. Tuyen added.
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Dang Vinh Hien - Director of Vinh Long Employment Service Center - said that in the first months of 2025, the Center issued a decision to receive unemployment benefits to over 3,400 people. The center also provided unemployment counseling to over 3,400 people, however, the number of people supported with vocational training is 339 people. This means that only about 10-15% of unemployment benefits recipients choose to participate in free vocational training courses.
Mr. Hien pointed out some of the core causes behind this situation. A large number of unemployed workers are older, they are often afraid of starting over, thinking that finding a job similar to their existing experience will be more feasible.
In addition, many workers tend to choose to work freely, not wanting to be alone in a corporate environment or through formal training courses.
Unemployed workers may not be aware of the importance of updating their skills in an increasingly competitive labor market.
"In the coming time, Vinh Long Employment Service Center will cooperate more with training units to expand occupations suitable to the needs of the labor market," Mr. Hien added.
