Dong Nai, 12 August 2016

The workshop on “English Language Competency Development Plan for Key Technical Teachers” was jointly held by Vocational College of Machinery and Irrigation (VCMI) and the Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam of GIZ. At the workshop, the results of the Training Needs Analysis and Test of English Proficiency for the college’s 56 key teachers and managers 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, including the management, heads of technical faculties, and key technical teachers of VCMI, representatives of the Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam and teachers from Technical and Technology College LILAMA 2 also actively shared their initiatives on how to ensure the efficiency and best mobilize and utilize resources for the implementation of the plan.

In the context of TVET reform, the Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will play a significant role. They will become the outriders of and role models for the new development focus of TVET in Viet Nam: the provision of employment-relevant and high quality training based on international standards. English language competency, in the context of internationalisation of CoEs, is one of the very important criteria that allow CoEs to offer high quality vocational training and function as a hub for national and international networks for TVET. This viewpoint is confirmed by 2 out of 6 criteria for CoEs set by Decision No. 761/QĐ-TTg dated 23 May 2014 concerning the development of CoEs in the field of TVET until 2020 by the Prime Minister of Viet Nam.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr Nguyen Van Chuong, Director of VCMI, confirmed that “Developing English language competency for the college’s technical teachers and management is an urgent task not only to meet the criteria for the prospective Centre of Excellence for Green TVET but also for the teachers and managers to be able to efficiently develop their technical/professional competency and perform their tasks in the international integration context”. During group discussions, the participants affirmed that they are committed to successfully implement the plan. Mr Pham Minh Phong, teacher of Faculty of Electricity and Electronics, said “We want to develop our English as we know it opens the doors to the world”.

The results of the workshop will be used to finalise and implement the English Language Competency Development Plan for Key Technical Teachers of VCMI.