Nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide are able to speak English. English language competency is essential for getting connected with the world and benefit from the ASEAN integration. For TVET institutes English language competency is one important criterion to become accredited as a “Centre of Excellence” (CoE) in Viet Nam. It allows CoEs to provide high-quality vocational training and function as a hub for regional and international networks for TVET.

Therefore, developing language capacity is one element of the “Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam” by advising LILAMA 2 International Technology College (LILAMA 2) on its way to transform into a Centre of Excellence. As a CoE, LILAMA 2 has to provide high-quality and employment-relevant initial and further training following international, in this case German standards. Additionally LILAMA 2 has to fulfil specific tasks for the Vietnamese TVET system such as providing further training for teachers of other TVET institutes.

On 25 February the workshop on “English Competency Development Plan for Key Technical Teachers” was jointly held by LILAMA 2 and the Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam, implemented by GIZ. At the workshop, the results of the Training Needs Analysis and Test of English Proficiency for 61 key teachers, head of departments and managers of LILAMA 2 were presented. The proposed training roadmap and development plan which aims at developing English language competency for technical key teachers of the college were discussed. The participants of the workshop also actively shared their initiatives on how to ensure the efficiency and best mobilize and utilize resources for the implementation of the plan such as: interactive English learning room, English technical library and information resource, face to face and online learning.

The results of the workshop will be used to finalise and implement the English Language Competency Development Plan at and by LILAMA 2. Other elements which aim at strengthening the language capacity of LILAMA 2´s teaching and management staff are a newly established English Club as well as lessons held in English together with the Development Advisors from Germany.

The workshop was also attended by participants from the Vocational College of Machinery and Irrigation (VCMI), based in Dong Nai, to enhance the cooperation between both future CoEs so that each of them can benefit from the experiences.