VietNamNet Bridge – Nguyen Ngoc Dieu, a 25 year-old designer, sits at an internet cafe, finishing work on a logo for a newly-established Japanese company, as a sly smile creeps across her lips.

In 2004, the results of Diep's entrance exams were far below the University of Industrial Fine Arts' minimum requirements, forcing her to make the difficult decision to attend a vocational training programme at FPT Arena. The sudden switch shocked her parents.

"I have dreamt of becoming a professional designer since I was small. If I had spent another year studying to retake the exams, it would have been very costly and there was no guarantee I would have passed," said Diep.

"University helps secure a future, but vocational training will also get me a job. So why do I have to pursue a path that I am not qualified for," she told her parents.

Every year, thousands of high school students are put into a similar predicament - 7 out of 10 people fail the university entrance exams.

Deciding whether to retake the tests or pursue a place at a vocational training centre then becomes a difficult choice for some.

Bui Dang from Ba Vi District, Ha Tay Province always planned to enter vocational training if he failed the university exams. "I considered various vocations, but finally chose auto repair because I know there will be many job opportunities after graduation," said Dang.

"I am aware I may face many difficulties in the beginning, but I strongly believe that after graduating as a qualified professional with in-depth market knowledge, I will be successful," said Pham Van Thang from Tien Lu District, Hung Yen Province.

Le Van Thanh from the HCM City Economic Institute says the job market is changing in a way that supports students wanting to pursue higher education via technical training schools.

"There's a new trend that empiyees are paid not based on their certification, but on their capabilities and efficiency," says Thanh, "Therefore, whether a person goes to university or vocational school is no longer as big a problem.

It is the practical work that matters." Not all students and parents share the opinion. Since my younger sister failed her entrance exams my parents have been in a bad mood, made worse by my suggestions that she attend a technical school.

"It means your sister won't have a good future. University is the best path. She won't go anywhere if she doesn't enter university," said my father.

My sister accepts it is unlikely she will pass the exams even after studying for another year, but refuses to consider vocational training.

"Most of my friends go to university. I'll be ashamed if I go to a technical school. I don't want to be ridiculed by my friends and relatives," she said.

The public's mindset needs to be changed.

People need to realise attending vocational training is normal and supplies a definitive career path, said Nguyen Tran Nghia, principal of the HCM City Vocational School.

At the 1,000 vocational training centres nationwide, there are 500,000 available spots for students, which is 1.5 times higher than universities.

Tran Quoc Ninh from the HCM City Department of Labours, Invalids and Social Affairs, says demand for skilled employees in key industries is growing rapidly, and companies desire graduates from vocational training school due to their practical skills and strong work ethic.

Technical schools should be encouraged, and should inform prospective students of the opportunities offered.

Only with the right knowledge and understanding can students truly choose an occupation suitable for them, said Nghia.

(Source: Viet Nam News)