The General Department of Vocational Training (GDVT) will raise the rate of trained workers in the country from 28 percent in 2009 to 30 percent next year, with 1.64 million students enrolled in the 2009-2010 academic year.

The plan was announced by its Deputy Head Cao Van Sam at a press conference held recently to mark the GDVT’s 40 th anniversary on Oct. 9.

To reach this target, apart from raising the standard of lecturers and enhancing the curricula and teaching facilities, the GDVT plans to upgrade vocational colleges and schools to international standards and establish vocational training centres in 62 of the country’s poorest districts nationwide.

Furthermore, it will also publicise the importance of vocational training to raise the general public’s awareness of this field.

In 2008, enrolment at vocational training centres reached almost 1.54 million, raising the rate of trained workers to 26 percent, fulfilling the target set for the 2001-2010 period two years ahead of schedule.

The network of vocational training centres has now been developed in all 63 provinces and cities and industrial zones, as well as export processing zones and traditional craft villages.

The nation now boasts 102 vocational colleges, 265 vocational schools, 864 vocational centres and thousands of other vocational establishments.

To mark the 40 th anniversary of its founding, the GDVT will hold a music festival on Oct. 6-7 and a meeting on Oct. 8 to honour 40 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the vocational training sector./.