The vocational education and training (VET) sector continues to record a positive growth trend in national enrollment scale. Based on the latest data from the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education, enrollment projections for 2026 target 450,000 students across college and secondary levels, reflecting a shift in focus toward higher-quality education.
One of the strategic steps taken is targeting 92,000 students in strategic fields such as information technology, automation, mechatronics, and the semiconductor industry. This initiative was undertaken in response to the urgent need for a skilled workforce capable of supporting digital transformation and future green economic development.
Despite the increase in applicants, the government acknowledges that structural enrollment disparities persist. Many vital engineering programs struggle to attract prospective students, while the service sector dominates. This obstacle is compounded by the high cost of laboratory equipment investments, a scarcity of specialized instructors in cutting-edge technology, and a lack of public awareness regarding career prospects in these industries.
In an effort to improve system efficiency, the government has significantly streamlined institutions. As of May 2026, the number of vocational education institutions has been restructured, reducing dozens of schools at both central and regional levels, leaving 373 institutions that are now managed in a more integrated manner.
Moving forward, the government is committed to continuing the integration of the vocational education system to make it more modern. Currently, a network development plan for high-quality colleges with international accreditation for the 2026–2035 period is being finalized for submission to the government, ensuring that vocational education graduates are fully prepared to compete in the global market.
