How can we encourage more young people to take vocational courses?

To provide young people with valuable job skills, as well as meet the needs of today’s job market, more should be done to encourage students to take vocational education and training classes, to help build a much–needed skilled workforce. Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on this form of education.

Ms Phuang Chanthala, a government official in Vientiane: Of course we should encourage young people to take vocational training courses. They should be given information about the value of this work and the income it can provide in the future. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the benefits of vocational training and don’t encourage their children to give it a try. As we can see, colleges and universities turn out thousands of graduates each year but many of them are unable to find work. But most graduates of vocational training courses can find jobs because they have a practical skill that is needed by today’s employers. Families and parents should realise the importance of technical training and encourage their children to consider it as an alternative to academic study. There should be more places available in vocational training centres during the summer, and more publicity about this kind of education.
 
Ms Vadsana, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: Vocational education courses focus on practical and work-orientated skills, whereas university or other higher education courses teach theory-based courses. But vocational education and training cover a wide range of courses and qualifications. If we can persuade more students to take these courses, we will be able to provide more skilled workers, lower the unemployment rate, and meet the needs of industrialisation.
 
Ms Some, a resident of Vientiane: I definitely think it would be good if we can get more young people to learn practical job skills. Most people want their children to go to university or take some other form of higher education in the hope that they can embark on a professional career path. However, many graduates end up without a job as their degree is worthless to most of today’s employers.  
 
Mr Thavikhoun, a government official in Luang Prabang province: I think the Ministry of Education and Sports should incorporate more vocational courses into the secondary school curriculum, so that more students become with familiar with these subjects at an early age and understand the importance of acquiring practical skills. Teachers should advise students to take a part-time job and learn a skill they can use to earn an income or as a hobby. Schools should teach more technical subjects that can be used in daily life, as this would be of huge benefit.
 
Ms Deunsavanh, an employee in Xaythany district, Vientiane: There are many schools and centres that provide vocational training courses. Families and parents should encourage their children to use their long summer holiday to learn a skill. Not only would this usefully occupy their time, they would learn something of practical value, which they may able to apursue in the future and even turn into a profession.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 5, 2022)