Learners from DEOCA GROUP and its partners participating in the first cohort of the second-degree Railway-Metro program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport (UTH) are nearing completion, carrying the expectations not only of businesses and academia but also of the Party and Government in their mission to contribute to infrastructure development in the country's new era.
Opening ceremony of the second cohort of the Railway-Metro specialized training program
This is the first training program customized by DEOCA GROUP in collaboration with UTH, enrolling nearly 40 trainees from the Group's subsidiaries and partner units. These trainees have previously graduated in disciplines such as Transport Infrastructure Construction, Roads and Bridges, Hydrogeology, and Geological Engineering from various universities and colleges in Vietnam. Currently, the first cohort has completed two semesters, is undergoing the third, and is expected to conclude by August 2025.
Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Anh, Director of the Deo Ca Research & Training Institute (under UTH), stated that the curriculum emphasizes practical applications for graduates. For instance, in construction-related subjects, all trainees have prior qualifications in transport infrastructure engineering and are actively working in the industry. Therefore, the curriculum is designed to enable quick access to specialized courses in high-speed rail and urban railway construction.
“The second-degree program is 'tailor-made' for the trainees, based on their existing knowledge foundation and job requirements post-graduation. This allows for a condensed training period, enabling most trainees to complete the program within approximately 18–24 months”, Dr. Pham Thi Anh explained.
Practical site visit at Hanoi Station
Trainees are equipped with in-depth knowledge and skills in railway infrastructure design, construction, and management, including railway subgrade and track superstructure design, railway bridges and tunnels, national and urban railway stations, and high-speed rail construction techniques. Additionally, they receive specialized English training to prepare for work in multinational joint ventures.
“The first cohort is now two-thirds of the way through. This program embodies not only the expectations of DEOCA GROUP but also the dedication of UTH faculty and staff”, Dr. Anh emphasized.
Tran Duc Viet, class president of the first cohort, shared that all trainees are balancing work and studies, with significant professional workloads. However, with a strong sense of responsibility, they manage their schedules efficiently to attend all sessions and keep pace with the university’s and DEOCA GROUP’s academic plans.
Practical site visit at Saigon Station
“The Group has provided us with the opportunity to study, enhance our expertise, and contribute to national infrastructure development. We are fully aware of our roles and responsibilities, striving to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to meet the expectations of the Group's leadership, the university, and ultimately, to fulfill our aspirations to contribute to the nation”, Viet expressed.
The Railway-Metro training program continued with the launch of the second cohort in November 2024, welcoming 130 carefully selected trainees from DEOCA GROUP’s departments, subsidiaries, and partners. This cohort was divided into three classes specializing in Railway Construction and Railway Automation & Signaling Engineering.
Beyond theoretical instruction, DEOCA GROUP also organizes international study programs and practical research on railway-metro training. The Group actively fosters collaboration with experienced high-speed railway partners from countries such as Japan and China to facilitate technology transfer and advanced engineering solutions. Concurrently, efforts are made to localize technologies and equipment to align with Vietnam’s market conditions and demands.
According to Resolution No. 172/2024/QH15 on investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway project, the project has an estimated total investment of over $67 billion, making it the largest transportation infrastructure project in Vietnam’s history. The 1,541-kilometer railway, with 60% elevated structures, 30% at-grade tracks, and 10% tunnels, will create an enormous workload for domestic transport infrastructure contractors. Estimates suggest that approximately 13,800 personnel will be required for railway operations. Additionally, project management will need around 700–1,000 professionals, consulting firms will require 1,000–1,300 specialists, and railway operation units will need 13,800 staff. The construction sector, industrial manufacturing, material production, and component supply for the project will demand approximately 220,000 workers throughout its implementation. |
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