Some recommendations for the enhancing of training quality through the link between universities and employers

Abstract

In assuring and enhancing the quality of Vietnamese higher education, especially the output and outcome quality to fulfill the needs and requirements of the labor market, the curricula and training, as well as research activities, have to be continuously improved in accordance with the fast and constant changes in the globalized era, and to lead the society in various training fields. In addition, due to the massification of higher education, quite a lot of graduates who do not work in the academic or research areas need to be well equipped with a variety of skills required by different careers and labor contexts which are not approached in the academic context during the training period, especially the practical skills and experience. The paper first (1) gives an overview of theoretical background on the link between the university and the industry/labor market as well as the principles of curriculum development, development of research projects and programs in compliance with the stakeholders’ requirements. Next, it aims to (2) present some common types and activities of connecting with various employers to enhance the quality of training for lecturers, managers, and students through some case studies of some typical educational programs assessed by AUN-QA among VNU-HCM. Finally, it (3) gives some recommendations for strengthening and developing stronger and more effective links with the employers to make full use of their contributions and enhance the quality of training, research in the Vietnamese higher education institutions in the integration era.