On the afternoon of June 10, Vietnam Railway College officially launched its first high-speed rail training course in collaboration with China’s Liuzhou and Kunming Railway Institutes.

More than 200 workers and technicians currently employed by the Railway Joint Stock Company and the Railway Signal Information Joint Stock Company, both under Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR), are participating in the course.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Do Thi Hong Chau, a member of VNR’s Board of Members, stated that according to the pre-feasibility report for the high-speed rail (HSR) project, around 13,880 personnel will be required. The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project alone will need approximately 2,431 workers.

She emphasized that training human resources for the rail sector - especially for high-speed rail - is both crucial and urgent. A workforce with advanced technical skills and high expertise is a key factor in building and operating a modern high-speed railway system.

“The first two training disciplines being offered - Railway Infrastructure and Railway Signal Information - are essential first steps to prepare a qualified workforce for HSR infrastructure development. In the coming years, we’ll continue to train personnel in operations, including train driving and train traffic control,” Chau added.

Dr. Truong Trong Vuong, Rector of Vietnam Railway College, further noted that the college had signed a memorandum of understanding on joint training with Liuzhou and Kunming Railway Institutes in China.

The training program focuses on two main areas: High-speed Rail Infrastructure and Signal Information Systems, emphasizing practical applications and meeting business requirements.

The program is divided into two phases. In Phase 1, students will study theoretical content over 3–4 months at Vietnam Railway College, taught by Chinese HSR experts with support from local lecturers.

Phase 2 involves hands-on practice and field training for about 3 months in China.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Wang Han Duong from Liuzhou Railway Institute said the school is the only one in Guangxi specializing in railway training. Established in 1956, the institute has trained around 150,000 skilled professionals for China’s high-speed rail sector over 69 years.

Mr. Duong expressed hope that following this training program, both sides could co-develop professional standards and certifications for the railway industry, enhance student capabilities, and expand cooperation to include railway electrification and technical training.

N. Huyen