According to a survey conducted by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), 50% of logistics companies in Vietnam aim to recruit an additional 15% to 20% of personnel each year.  VLA predicts that by 2030, Vietnam will need more than 200,000 personnel to serve the logistics industry, not including the demand for logistics personnel in manufacturing and trade companies. Meanwhile, only 5% to 7% of the workforce in logistics has received formal training in the field.

In reality, both long-term formal education and short-term training programs are failing to meet the current demand for logistics personnel. More than 85% of logistics companies in Vietnam must train and develop their workforce through practical on-the-job experience.  Some large companies have even established their training centers for workforce development and supply chain management to ensure their growth objectives are met.

Mr. Le Duy Hiep, the Chairman of VLA, has pointed out that the logistics sector is growing rapidly with favorable conditions, but the biggest challenge is the shortage of qualified and professional workforce in terms of quantity and expertise. Issues related to labor discipline and low labor intensity are also weaknesses in the industry’s workforce.

From the perspective of businesses, Ms. Pham Lan Huong, the CEO of Binh Duong-based Vinafco Joint Stock Company, has assessed that the output quality of logistics graduates has a significant gap compared to the requirements of businesses in terms of expertise, soft skills, and adaptability to the job. She attributes this partially to academic programs being theory-heavy, lacking practical application, and being slow to adopt technology. Furthermore, the logistics industry is increasingly digitized and incorporates various digital technologies into operations, which students often struggle to keep up with.

Mr. Tran Chi Dung, representing the ASEAN Freight and Transport Federation, states that the logistics industry is currently facing a shortage of both skilled professionals and workers.  He notes that there are few logistics managers in Vietnam as they primarily rely on experience and lack a standardized body of knowledge and modern management practices. On the other hand, in the direct operational segment, such as warehouse management and transportation, many areas only require intermediate or higher vocational qualifications, but, in practice, very few receive comprehensive professional training. Mr. Tran emphasizes that solving the logistics workforce issue requires establishing professional standards, improving the qualifications of core trainers in logistics education, and creating practical internship opportunities for students.

Recently, the Australian government has sponsored a project aimed at “Promoting the Participation of Logistics Companies in Vocational Education” as part of the Australian-Vietnamese Human Resource Development Program. This project will train students in various logistics skills, from basic tasks like cargo loading and container handling to more complex responsibilities such as planning, monitoring the movement of goods, managing sources of goods, and working with shipping companies.

There are currently 16 logistics education centers included in the Australian-sponsored program. The project has also established a skills council to assess and select suitable students for admission and graduation. Most of the council members come from logistics companies and will support students with practical training during their education, helping them find employment after graduation.

Trung Nam (Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper)