After his great performance at the WorldSkills 2019 in Kazan (Russia), Phuong and his coach Nguyen Xuan Thanh Nam were warmly welcomed back in Ho Chi Minh City.

“We are very proud of Phuong”, says Dr Nguyen Thi Hang, Rector of HVCT, at the welcome ceremony. “His amazing results show that the training programme at HVCT provides technical skills up to a very high level that can compete with international standards. We have a long-term plan for Phuong helping him to further develop his skill set, but on another note,  we also want to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Viet Nam, especially the occupation as Sewage Engineering Technician.”

This year, for the first time, Viet Nam was competing in Water Technology. Thus, Phuong had no forerunner to learn from. He and his coach had to develop their own strategy, evaluate their competitors and meticulously learn the rules by themselves.

In addition to the 3-years training programme as Sewage Engineering Technician at HVCT, Phuong strategically applied skills that he learned during a two weeks training course in Germany, that was supported by GIZ.

Phuong attributed the major part of his success to the training based on German standards that he received at HVCT.  According to him, good preparation makes the difference when it comes to a competition like WorldSkills. “Candidates have to be familiar with the machines, with the tasks and the instructions. Due to many trial tests and the careful guidance of my coach as well as of the German experts, I was well prepared for the competition in Kazan. I had developed the ability to prioritise tasks, I was familiar with the machine that was used in the exam and I knew exactly how to manage my time efficiently. Also, the great support of my family, friends and especially my school played an outrageous role to bring my performance on the next level”, Phuong explained.

Asked about his future, Phuong wants to continue his work in the wastewater sector and plans to support the teachers of the Department of Environment at HVCT to promote his occupation nationwide.  “Wastewater treatment is a very effective way to solve the pollution problem. Clean water has a positive impact on environmental protection and public health. Viet Nam needs skilled workers for a strong, sustainable and balanced growth. Therefore, I am convinced there will be a huge demand for this occupation in the upcoming years.”