The implementation of vocational education policies in the modern era demands a paradigm shift, where the business world is no longer positioned as an external party, but rather as a strategic partner in the training ecosystem. The issuance of Circular No. 43/2026/TT-BGDĐT is a breath of fresh air that allows technical experts, artisans, and professional staff of companies to be directly involved in the teaching process without being hindered by rigid administrative obstacles such as diplomas or formal pedagogical certifications.
This flexibility is crucial considering that vocational education requires direct exposure to the real working world. By involving factory managers, head chefs, and expert technicians as instructors, students can access technology, equipment, and simulations of real work situations. This is seen as an effective solution to minimize the skills gap between school graduates and the demands of a dynamic labor market.
Nevertheless, this transition requires a transparent and substantial assessment mechanism. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Truong Dinh Thang emphasized that practical expertise must go hand in hand with basic pedagogical competence. Therefore, short training programs are needed for industry professionals so that they can design lesson plans, guide practical training, and measure student progress effectively and safely in the production environment.
The main challenge that still looms is the lack of incentives for companies. Many business entities hesitate to get more deeply involved due to operational costs, time management, and workplace safety risks. To overcome this, the government needs to formulate concrete compensation policies, such as recognition of training contributions, tax incentives, or easy access to human resource development as compensation for the resources they dedicate.
Looking ahead, this collaboration must cover the entire training cycle—from curriculum formulation and teaching to the evaluation of learning outcomes. By adopting dual training models and leveraging digital technology for internship monitoring, vocational education can transform into a system that is more responsive, accountable, and capable of producing top talent ready to be directly absorbed by the industry.
