Tell us something we don’t know.  This is a perennial issue that should be addressed sooner rather than later.  I can attest to the results of this survey as an observer of the education scene here and an employer in two different sectors.  (The bold in the article excerpt is mine.)  Keep in mind that this survey is specific to automotive mechanics but the results have general applicability.

What do employers want and need?  Most importantly…

• critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• initiative and (at least) leadership potential
• creativity
• a positive attitude and passion for the work
• a strong work ethic
• professionalism, defined as the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well
• did I mention a positive attitude, passion for the work and initiative? 😉

While some of these qualities and skills can be developed on the job, it would be helpful if many employees had a shorter learning curve.  This can be achieved through better preparation and more practical experience (e.g., internships, part-time jobs).

New graduates not highly appreciated

The research team headed by Nguyen Ngoc Phuong, MA, from the Ly Tu Trong Technique Junior College (i.e., Ly Tu Trong Technical College) in HCM City, has completed a survey on the qualification of university and junior college graduates by consulting with automobile maintenance companies in the city.

What the research team has found in the survey may hurt schools’ pride. The polled businesses said the knowledge students receive at schools is outdated, while new knowledge about the latest technologies has not been updated.

The businesses have warned that if the schools do not change their curriculums immediately, the theory they provide to students would be useless in practice.

Most graduates only have theoretical knowledge, while they are weak at practice. As a result, it takes businesses six months at least to re-train graduates before they can work independently.

The lack of practical knowledge has been attributed to the poor conditions of training establishments. Learners have short internship time, while they can only make practice with old equipments.

Businesses have also complained about the working behaviors, foreign language skill, discipline, professionalism of new graduates.

Regarding the graduates’ capability to meet the requirements at work, Ngo Thi Thanh Tung, MA, from the Vietnam Education Science Institute, said new graduates got 3.05 out of 5 marks.

Follow this link to read the rest of this 20 November 2013 VietnamNet Bridge article.