Skill development: Vocational education institutions & industry engagement in the garment and textile industry

Purpose of the study: Due to changes in the occupational structure and the new regulations in all global industries, skill development is critical for stakeholders from the local governments and industry persons. This study explores how companies and technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Vietnam can promote new ways of skill development for the future workforce in the garment and textile industry. It aims to address issues that impede collaboration among both parties to promote the development of key future skills in the garment industry. Methodology: Qualitative approach, using personal interview and secondary data, is adopted in this study. The research team conducted 54 semi-structured interviews with key informants in the garment industry and the vocational education and training sector. They include managers, teachers, and trainers, and students, the content analysis was performed in the data analysis process. Main Findings: This study shows some complacencies in strong supports among stakeholders in the garment industry. Training institutions need to be upgrading their teaching staff and their skills, the institution curriculum, and the relationship with industry. Developing a relevant curriculum that meets the required skills is a starting point for TVET institutions in Vietnam. To strengthen the collaboration between institutions and enterprises, the government needs policies that support formal training and ongoing training, allowing the skill development for new employees as well as upgrading the skills of existing employees. Applications of this study: The results of this study can be adopted by TVET institutions aiming at improving their industry engagement and skill-building for future graduates. Moreover, it can be used as a basis for policy development in skill development. Skill gaps are one of the key determinants of training investment made by firms and workers in the garment industry. Given the changing face of the labor market, both workers who are just entering the labor force and those that are already in the workforce have to be willing to learn new skills. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study is specific to the global garment and textile industry, which is important and somewhat underestimate. The findings from this study can also apply to garment and textile from most developing countries aiming at improving their industry-education engagement strategies, by some Governments and policymakers in TVET.