The Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) People’s Committee has issued a master plan for training and capacity building of personnel for its urban railway network for the 2025-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. The program aims to establish a highly qualified workforce capable of planning, constructing, managing, operating, and maintaining metro systems in accordance with international standards. It consists of two components, long-term training and short-term professional development, tailored to specific positions. Training content focuses on engineering, infrastructure, technology, Transit–Oriented Development (TOD) urban planning, environment, safety, and risk management. Senior city leaders and departmental officials will also receive updates on regulatory frameworks, financial-investment models, and global trends in urban rail development.
By 2030, HCMC aims to provide advanced training to at least 50% of its 60 metro management officers, including 5-10 master’s degree holders. By 2035, the target increases to 80%, comprising 30% with master’s degrees and 10% with doctorates. From 2035 to 2045, the workforce is expected to be fully standardized, with more than 50% holding master’s degrees and 10-20% holding doctoral degrees. The city also plans to train 160 metro project management personnel by 2030, rising to 310 by 2035 and 400 by 2045. City leaders and relevant departments will receive annual training, and each year at least 50% of metro personnel will be sent abroad to acquire updated technologies and operational expertise.
HCMC has so far placed Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) into operation and is preparing to commence construction of Metro Line No. 2 (Ben Thanh-Tham Luong). The growing demand for skilled labour has kept the city reliant on foreign experts; therefore, systematic training is considered essential to support the operation of seven metro lines totaling 355 km by 2035 and 510 km by 2045.
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Reference: VN Express, 2 December 2025
