How Higher Education Institutions Can Collaborate with Industry to Produce Work-Ready Graduates

Vietnamese higher education’s graduates have a skills gap in relation to the current needs of industry. More collaboration between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and industry is necessary to address this issue. In order to gain knowledge on the current situation, secondary research is undertaken in this chapter, covering publications by Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) agencies, the Vietnamese Government, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in addition to academic research papers. The outcome of this research is to identify the current situation in relation to the gap between the knowledge and skills of the graduates in relation to the current and future needs of commercial and industrial organizations. An overview of the current competencies of higher education graduates was undertaken in relation to their knowledge and skills. In addition, the trends for skills that industry requires to grow their businesses are identified. This is followed by an analysis of relevant research to identify the gaps between what industry needs and what graduates possess. Recommendations include HEIs doing more to help students/graduates in planning and developing their careers, looking at ways to improve their career development, and endeavors to improve their facilities. In addition, HEIs and industry managers should join forces in skills management, career advisory, skills evaluation, selection of graduates, internship supervision, and consistent discussions on remuneration levels. The requirement for the success of such collaboration depends on the readiness from employers to collaborate with HEIs at both operational and strategic levels. Finally, the Vietnamese Government can also provide a robust framework and leadership to help close the skills gap. This can be undertaken in collaboration with the ODA institutions and Chambers of Commerce.