On December 14, 2025, two major Vietnamese cities—Hai Phong and Da Nang—played host to significant career events aimed at connecting young people and local workers with employment opportunities, vocational training, and career guidance. These events, held at the Youth Sports Cultural Palace in Hai Phong and in Quế Phước commune, Da Nang, drew wide participation from youth, students, workers, employers, and vocational training institutions, underscoring Vietnam’s ongoing commitment to fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce in the face of evolving labor market demands.
In Hai Phong, the Standing Committee of the City Youth Union organized the "Career Orientation - Vocational Education and Job Introduction Day 2025," a vibrant gathering that saw more than 1,000 union members, youth, students, and workers converge at the city’s Youth Sports Cultural Palace. According to reporting from local sources, over 25 booths were set up for consultation, recruitment, and vocational training, representing a broad spectrum of enterprises and educational institutions. The event’s opening was marked by a speech from Mr. Đỗ Đức Chính, Deputy Secretary of the City Youth Union and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Youth Federation in Hai Phong. He emphasized the event as a golden opportunity for young people to actively seek information, engage in dialogue, and evaluate their own career aspirations.
“Today’s festival is a chance for you to take the initiative to learn, exchange, and listen to advice from experts, businesses, and training institutions; it is also an opportunity for each of you to reflect on and assess your abilities, clearly define your career goals for the future,” Mr. Đỗ Đức Chính stated, as quoted by local media. He urged participants to take full advantage of the day’s activities, to ask questions boldly, and to connect proactively with potential employers and trainers—steps he believes will help build a generation of young workers equipped with knowledge, skills, and a strong desire to contribute to society.
The event in Hai Phong was designed to be more than just a job fair. It provided a direct bridge between youth and employers, recruitment agencies, and vocational training centers. Attendees could access up-to-date information about labor policies, legal rights, and prevailing trends in both the domestic and international job markets. A highlight of the day was a presentation by Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thanh, Head of the Employment Department at the City Employment Service Center, who shared insights on current employment policies, the labor market situation both within and outside Vietnam, and career orientation strategies for young people. There was also a specialized discussion focused on “Connecting Gen Z with Career Futures,” acknowledging the unique aspirations and digital fluency of the new generation entering the workforce.
Meanwhile, in Quế Phước commune, Da Nang, the local People’s Committee teamed up with the Da Nang City Employment Service Center to organize a job fair targeting around 150 local workers. Despite its smaller scale, the event packed a punch: nine enterprises and vocational training institutions participated, collectively offering over 8,000 job positions in a diverse array of fields, including technical professions, unskilled labor, processing and manufacturing, as well as the garment and footwear industries.
According to Mrs. Đỗ Thị Hà, Deputy Director of the Da Nang City Employment Service Center, the demand for workers remains robust. “Currently, about 111 domestic enterprises need to recruit over 13,000 job positions, mainly technical workers, unskilled labor, processing-manufacturing, and textile-leather industries,” she told local reporters. The recruitment target ranged from young adults aged 18 to 40, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity—workers lacking professional skills would be trained and then assigned salaried positions.
But the event didn’t stop at domestic opportunities. Organizers also provided counseling and support for those interested in working abroad under contract, opening doors to markets such as Europe, Japan, South Korea, Laos, and other emerging destinations. Special attention was given to labor export programs, particularly those focused on South Korea and Japan through established channels like the EPS and IM Japan programs. These initiatives, Mrs. Đỗ Thị Hà explained, come with a range of support policies designed to help workers access stable employment, boost their incomes, and improve their living standards.
The dual events in Hai Phong and Da Nang reflect a broader national strategy: connecting Vietnam’s youthful population with the needs of a rapidly changing economy. The focus on vocational education and job placement is not accidental. As the country continues to industrialize and integrate into global supply chains, the demand for skilled labor—across both traditional and emerging sectors—has never been higher.
In Hai Phong, the Career Orientation Day was also a testament to the city’s determination to support its young people in study, entrepreneurship, and career establishment. Organizers highlighted the event’s role in helping enterprises find young, qualified labor to meet their development requirements, while also reinforcing the Youth Union’s ongoing mission to accompany youth on their journey toward personal and professional growth. “The event not only supports youth in accessing job opportunities but also creates conditions for businesses to seek out high-quality young human resources,” local coverage noted, pointing to the mutual benefits for both job seekers and employers.
Meanwhile, Da Nang’s job fair served as a microcosm of the shifting labor landscape in Vietnam’s central region. The inclusion of both domestic and overseas job counseling demonstrated a pragmatic approach to workforce mobility, recognizing that opportunities—and challenges—are increasingly global. For workers willing to pursue jobs abroad, the fair provided information on legal frameworks, contract terms, and the support available to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
Both events placed a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. By offering training to unskilled workers and welcoming participants from a range of backgrounds, organizers sought to break down barriers to employment and ensure that no one is left behind in the quest for a stable and fulfilling career. The age range for recruitment (18-40) reflected an understanding of the diverse life stages and needs of Vietnam’s working-age population.
While the numbers are impressive—over 8,000 job positions offered in Da Nang, more than 1,000 participants in Hai Phong, and thousands of vacancies still to be filled nationwide—the real story lies in the personal connections forged and the sense of possibility kindled among attendees. For many, these events represented a first step toward a new job, a new skill, or even a new life abroad. For others, they offered a chance to better understand the demands of the labor market and to chart a course in an unpredictable world.
As Vietnam continues its rapid economic transformation, events like these—bringing together youth, employers, and educators—will be crucial in shaping a workforce that is not just employable, but empowered and resilient. The day’s activities in Hai Phong and Da Nang offered a glimpse of that future: one where opportunity, ambition, and support go hand in hand.
