Challenges and solutions of steering the labour market towards a green economy in the context of international integration were discussed among representatives of ministries, companies, associations and TVET institutes at the workshop “Green growth associated with international integration in labor and social affairs” organised by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) with the support of the GIZ Macroeconomic Reform Program/Green Growth. Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of MoLISA, Ms Cao Thi Thanh Thuy, set the stage regarding opportunities and challenges for the labour market, social affairs and vocational training which result from international integration.

Following the presentations of Dr.Le Kim Dung, Director of the Department of Employment of MoLISA who gave an overview of the impact of Industry 4.0 on the labour market, and Ms. Justyna Grosjean, Project Manager of GIZ Green Growth, on sustainable development in free trade agreements and implications for MoLISA, Ms Lisa-Marie Kreibich, Technical Advisor of the GIZ Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam, highlighted the key role of a qualified workforce for achieving the targets of Viet Nam’s Green Growth Strategy. Ms Kreibich focused on the importance of ensuring the employment-relevance of technical and vocation education and training (TVET). One key success factor will be a stronger engagement of future employers in defining qualitative and quantitative green qualifications and skills needs (occupational standards) and in adapting existing or developing new training programmes. The business sector should also be involved in developing new skills profiles as well as in implementing the training programmes. Finally, an involvement in testing, assessment and certification is highly advisable.  Ms Kreibich shared the experience of the Ho-Chi-Minh Vocational College of Technology, wastewater companies and the sector association VWSA in developing a new occupational standard and piloting the newly developed training programme for the green occupation “sewage engineering technician”. She also highlighted the responsibilities of the Vocational College for Machinery and Irrigation, the future Centre of Excellence for Green TVET.

Dr Nguyen Quang Viet, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Vocational Education and Training (NIVET), highlighted the importance of integrating specific actions on Green Skills into the legal framework. Further examples and best practices shared by representatives of TVET institutes, companies and VCCI enriched the exchange. Ms Cao Thi Thanh Thuy appreciated the lively discussion and informed that the results of the workshops will be used by the International Cooperation Department as a basis for a study on the effects of green growth and technological developments on the labour market and TVET.