A fair and reliable exam
The exam proved successful for a project to train Vietnamese technical workers which is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Luu Dang Khoa, a final-year student from Hanoi Industrial Vocational College, was one of the few examinees who had not graduated. Khoa said he wanted to test his proficiency under this strict vocational exam, which could help him choose a relevant job in the future.
 Examinees do the formalities to enter the national vocational qualifications exam.  About to enter the practice test.  The national vocational qualifications exam of Japanese standards was held at the Hanoi Industrial Vocational College for the first time in June.  Many who have passed a vocational qualifications exam of Japanese standards have become key staff in Japanese companies in Vietnam and overseas. |
According to Uchino Tomohiro, a JICA vocational training specialist, the vocational qualifications exam is very valuable because it helps workers figure out their occupational objectives and future jobs. It also helps employers evaluate the ability of employees, reducing risks in recruitment.
“Apart from professional skills, Vietnamese workers have an advantage over regional employees because they are good at theory”, Tomohiro said. He cited a relatively high rate of 47% of Vietnamese workers passing the vocational qualifications exam, compared with 50% in Japan.
In Japan, the vocational qualifications exam is important for workers, according to Tomohiro. Passing the exam to get a professional certificate, which is recognized across Japan, is the basis for evaluating the qualifications and skills of a worker.
To pass this exam, a worker needs to not only master the theories and skills but also must strictly observe occupational safety regulations and working disciplines. A worker receiving such a certificate will be honored by his employer as an example for other employees to follow.
Results of Vietnam-Japan cooperation
To help raise the occupational level and skills of technical workers to meet employers’ requirements, the Japanese Government has supported Vietnam in holding Japanese-standard vocational qualifications exams. The first JICA-funded project was successfully implemented at the Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI).
JICA then provided support for eight other vocational training institutions nationwide to evaluate vocational qualifications in mechanical engineering, electricity and electronics of Japanese standards and train evaluators, compile tests and organize exams.
 The tools are arranged to help examinees do their best in the test.  Practice test in lathing and milling.  Japanese specialists and HIVC teachers supervise the exam.  HIVC proctors have been trained with JICA support..  JICA is assisting eight vocational training institutions in Vietnam in vocational qualifications evaluation in mechanical engineering, electricity and electronics. In the photo, HIVC students participate in an occupational skill exam.  The national vocational qualifications exam held at HIVC.  Strict Japanese standards are applied to this exam.  So far, 171 workers nationwide have passed these exams, many of whom have become key staff in Japanese companies operating in Vietnam |
Assisted by JICA specialists, the first vocational qualifications exam in mining was held in June 2011. It was followed by other exams in mechanics, cable installation and mechanical measuring and sequential control. So far, 171 workers nationwide have passed these exams, many of whom have become key staff in Japanese companies operating in Vietnam.
Since 2010, JICA has sent its specialists to assist the Vocational Training Directorate of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs in training and developing a vocational qualifications evaluation system.
In May, the Hanoi Industrial Vocational College (HIVC), one of the vocational training institutions receiving support from JICA, was granted a certificate of Japanese-standard vocational qualifications evaluation for lathing and milling. It is also the country’s first national vocational qualifications evaluation center for lathing.
JICA is expected to provide further support for training in the industrial sector in Vietnam./.
Story: Thao Vy Photos: Viet Cuong
