Students at the University of Transport and Communications in Hà Nội. Photo courtesy of the UTC.

HÀ NỘI - With a need for skilled workers in high-speed and urban railway engineering in Việt Nam, the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) has proposed tuition exemptions or reductions for students specialising in railway engineering, aiming to attract more young talent into this critical field.

The feasibility study for the North-South High-Speed Railway project highlights the extensive workforce required, estimating that approximately 260,000 personnel are needed for the construction and operation of this project alone.

Between 2025 and 2027, around 300 to 500 project management personnel will be necessary, with this number increasing to up to 900 during peak phases between 2028 and 2032. The demand for survey, design and supervision consultants is expected to peak between 2026 and 2028, requiring approximately 1,200–1,300 professionals.

The largest workforce requirement falls within the construction sector, which is projected to need between 220,000 and 240,000 workers. At its peak, the project will require 18,000–20,000 engineers, with 20–30 per cent specialising in railway construction. By 2036, approximately 13,880 personnel will be needed for train operation, maintenance and system management.

Despite the urgent demand for railway-specific expertise, UTC Rector and Associate Professor Nguyễn Văn Hùng noted that the sector had been struggling to attract students compared to other engineering and economic fields.

UTC has currently recorded only 104 training requests for various aspects of modern railway engineering. Most students interested in railway studies opt for second degree programmes, part-time education or short-term courses. Enrollment in formal railway engineering programmes remains low.

Associate Professor Ngô Văn Minh, deputy head of UTC’s Innovation and Technology Transfer Department, further emphasised that key positions in railway engineering, operations management and safety lacked qualified personnel, particularly in high-speed and urban railway systems. Compared to road and bridge engineering, fewer students would pursue master's or doctoral studies in railway-related fields.

To encourage railway engineering education, UTC has proposed a full tuition waiver for students achieving excellent academic performance in high-speed and urban railway programmes, while those with good academic standing could receive a 50 per cent tuition reduction.

Previously, the Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction) directed agencies to assess workforce needs and proactively implement training and development programmes to ensure sufficient skilled personnel for railway projects.

Training institutions have been urged to strengthen partnerships with international organisations and research centres to enhance railway workforce training, particularly for the North-South High-Speed Railway project, urban rail systems and national railway infrastructure, in accordance with approved master plans.

Universities and vocational schools are expected to review and expand their training facilities, upgrade equipment and collaborate with domestic and international organisations to develop faculty expertise and produce highly qualified railway professionals.

Additionally, institutions have been encouraged to propose policy mechanisms to support railway workforce development, ensuring Việt Nam’s railway sector meets its future transport infrastructure needs. VNS