From 11 to 22 of November 2019, a training workshop on “Improving Workshop Management at Electrical Workshops at NTCT” was implemented by Mr. Claus Bader- Development Advisors of Programme “Reform of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Vietnam”- GIZ at Nha Trang College of Technology. The aim of the course was to train staff members of the electrical Department further in Workshop Management on the aspect of “5S” and its application on existing venues at the college. Furthermore, enhancing health and safety measures as well as training methods in a practical training workshops was addressed. Participating in the training were 12 teachers and 16 students from Electrical Department of Nha Trang College of Technology.

Starting with a one-day workshop presentation, Mr. Bader introduced the 5S WSM tool as well as the 4-step and Project training method to all participants as one of the most appropriate practical training approaches. At the following workshop, the teachers and students had the opportunity to participate in transforming the current workshops/laboratories into well-organized and safe model venues according to 5S industrial standards.

By following the 5S approach over 2 weeks of training, the participants can understand 5S in both theory and practice and apply 5S in their future work environment. The Development Advisor also applied 4-step method to guide and instruct participants in carrying out every task in a structured manner. The course focused on improving “Health & Safety Standard” in all workshops and laboratories. The Development Advisor also guide the participants to implement particular safety measures such as marking, labelling, clearing the access to fire boxes and provided visual aids, consultation to the college to enhance this standard on College-level. 

After a two-week-training, 4 electrical laboratories and 1 workshop have been re-organised to become more efficient and safer for training and learning than their previous stage. Obsolete and unused equipment and tools were sorted out; teaching materials, test-leads and wires were decluttered; rubber mats were cut and used to protect table tops professionally; tables, cabinets and training models were rearranged  to give more space and convenient use; equipment units and tools were stored in order and labelled in the provided cabinets; safety signs, floor markings and labels were placed at necessary spots. 

At the closing ceremony, Mr. Trần Văn Hải, Rector of Nha Trang College of Technology stated: “These valuable lessons on workshop management and workshop arrangement should be maintained and followed from all levels of staff, and then applied them in rearranging other rooms.”

Mr. Trần Ngọc Nhật, the Course Leader of Electrics-Electronics Department shared: “Through open communication, ideas were raised and exchanged efficiently to find the best solution to re-arrange and organize the rooms in the most scientific and suitable way.”

Talking about the training, Mr. Claus Bader, GIZ Development Advisor of Electrics -Electronics emphasized: “5S is not only for the 2-week-training. It should be maintained and followed as an integral part of learning and training activities because it contributes greatly to a safe and well-organized workshop, an important standard for becoming a high-quality college. This requires the involvement and determination from all level of staff.” 

Nha Trang College of Technology is supported by the Vietnamese-German “Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam” to develop into a high quality TVET institute. The programme is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).