Elite Workforce: The driving force in global value chains

In the context of globalization and deeper integration, Vietnam’s supporting industries are playing an increasingly vital role in global value chains. Multinational corporations investing in Vietnam demand a strong supporting ecosystem, particularly in workforce quality. 

In other words, high-quality human resources are the “golden key” for Vietnam to move beyond basic assembly and processing and fully participate in global supply chains.

However, the skills, technological expertise, and management mindset of Vietnam’s workforce still lag behind regional peers. In high-tech sectors such as electronics components, precision engineering, new materials, and semiconductors, the demand for highly skilled engineers and workers continues to rise, while the supply remains limited. This gap is the biggest bottleneck hindering breakthroughs in supporting industries.

To address this, the Government has introduced specific policies, notably the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 68/QD-TTg (January 18, 2017), approving the Supporting Industries Development Program for 2016–2025. The program emphasizes training and upgrading human resources to meet the needs of industrial production. 

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has worked with other ministries, business associations, and training institutions to create frameworks linking enterprises with education providers. Many workshops have explored the “triple partnership” model - State, business, and academia - as a practical approach to improving both skilled workers and technology experts.

A positive development in recent years is the growing initiative of enterprises. Many companies in mechanics, electronics, plastics, and chemicals have partnered with universities, colleges, and vocational centers to develop tailored training programs. 

This model shortens in-house training while enabling graduates to contribute immediately. In Bac Ninh and Hai Phong, suppliers for Samsung and LG have partnered with vocational schools to train electrical and electronics technicians. 

In Ho Chi Minh City, precision engineering firms in the high-tech park have joined hands with the Polytechnic University to train mechanical engineers. Some Japanese and Korean firms even sponsor laboratories, provide equipment, and send experts to teach, ensuring international-standard training.

Yet, not all companies can afford this. Most Vietnamese supporting industry firms are SMEs with limited capital and managerial resources. They struggle to access state support or lack information on training programs. Many admit that the cost of developing a high-quality workforce is prohibitive, while their salaries cannot compete with large FDI corporations. This often results in “brain drain,” as talented workers leave for multinational companies with better pay and benefits.

Specialized training: preparing for the digital transformation

According to Dr. Le Thuy Duong of the University of Engineering and Technology (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), a dedicated support mechanism for SMEs in supporting industries is crucial, as they form the backbone of the sector’s development. Without solving the workforce challenge, many SMEs will remain trapped in low-value segments and miss opportunities to move up the chain.

“In the era of Industry 4.0, workforce requirements extend beyond basic skills to mastering advanced technologies such as automation, industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductors, and digitalized production lines. That is why specialized training must receive greater attention”, Dr. Duong emphasized.

She noted that some training institutions have pioneered short- and long-term courses in lean production management, quality management under international standards, and data-driven manufacturing analysis. These programs not only help businesses optimize operations but also prepare human resources for digital transformation.

To enhance workforce development, coordinated efforts are needed. The government should develop targeted support policies for SMEs, expand industrial workforce development funds, and strengthen international cooperation to learn from successful models in Japan, Korea, and Germany. 

Enterprises must treat workforce training as a long-term investment, not just a cost, while large firms can support smaller suppliers in joint workforce development. Training institutions should modernize curricula, update technology, and bridge theory with practice, ensuring training matches real industry demands. At the same time, workers must commit to lifelong learning and continuous skill upgrades, as in the global race those who fail to adapt risk being left behind.

Supporting industries are the “backbone” of modern manufacturing. But for this backbone to be strong and flexible, it must be powered by a skilled, innovative workforce. Human resources are not only the “golden hands” that create products but also the minds that master new technologies, helping Vietnam climb higher in global value chains.

“The path to sustainable supporting industry development lies in investing in people. If Vietnam does this well, challenges can be transformed into opportunities, establishing a new position on the global manufacturing map”, Dr. Duong concluded.

Training and developing a high-quality workforce is not only an immediate solution to overcome current bottlenecks but also a long-term strategy for Vietnam to assert its position in the global value chain. With businesses, academia, and the government moving in step, supporting industries will build an elite workforce that forms the foundation for breakthroughs and international reach.