Training for Manufacturing Companies in Vietnam: Industry 4.0 & Skills Development Subsidies
Manufacturing companies in Vietnam can access generous training subsidies for Industry 4.0, automation, quality management, and technical skills development. This guide covers Decree 80 (SMEs), Decree 182 (high-tech manufacturing), and practical implementation for production environments.
- Decree 80: Manufacturing SMEs under 200 employees
- Decree 182: High-tech manufacturing enterprises with MOST certification
Assess skills gaps → Choose program (Decree 80 for SMEs, Decree 182 for high-tech) → Submit training plan → Receive approval → Execute training around production schedule → Claim subsidy → Measure KPIs
Training Subsidies for Vietnam's Manufacturing Sector
Vietnam's manufacturing sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by Industry 4.0 adoption, supply chain reshoring, and rising quality standards. Government training subsidies make workforce upskilling affordable and strategic.
This guide addresses the unique needs of manufacturing companies navigating Vietnam's training funding landscape.
Why Manufacturing Training Matters Now
Industry 4.0 Pressure
Vietnam's manufacturers face increasing pressure to automate:
- Rising Labor Costs: Minimum wage increased 6% annually 2020-2026
- Quality Requirements: Automotive, electronics, medical device clients demand Six Sigma
- Competition: Thailand, Indonesia investing heavily in automation
- Productivity Gap: Vietnam productivity 40% below Thailand in electronics manufacturing
Government Manufacturing Priorities
Vietnam prioritizes manufacturing in subsidy programs:
- Decree 80: 100% subsidy rates available for less-developed manufacturing provinces
- Decree 182: Priority approval for Industry 4.0, automation, advanced manufacturing training
- High-Tech Zones: Special incentives for manufacturers in high-tech industrial parks
Choosing the Right Subsidy Program
Decree 80: Best for Traditional Manufacturers (SMEs)
Who Qualifies:
- Manufacturing companies with under 200 employees
- All manufacturing subsectors (plastic, metal, textile, food processing, etc.)
- Located anywhere in Vietnam
Subsidy: 70-100% depending on location and employee type
Cap: VND 50M per employee per year
Best For:
- Operator and technician training
- Quality control and testing skills
- Safety and compliance certifications
- Supervisory and team leader development
- Equipment operation training
Example Training:
- CNC machine operation and programming
- Quality management systems (ISO 9001, Six Sigma)
- Lean manufacturing and 5S
- Forklift and material handling certifications
- Occupational health and safety (ISO 45001)
Decree 182: Best for Advanced Manufacturers
Who Qualifies:
- High-tech manufacturing companies (with MOST certification)
- Companies investing in Industry 4.0 technology
- Semiconductor, electronics, precision engineering firms
Subsidy: 50% reimbursement
Cap: VND 100M per employee per year (double Decree 80)
Best For:
- Industry 4.0 and smart factory implementation
- Robotics and automation engineering
- IoT and sensor integration
- Advanced quality control (automated optical inspection, X-ray)
- Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
Example Training:
- Industrial IoT platforms and data analytics
- Collaborative robotics programming (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc)
- Computer vision for quality inspection
- Predictive maintenance systems
- Additive manufacturing for tooling and prototyping
Decision Matrix
| Criteria | Decree 80 | Decree 182 |
|---|---|---|
| Company Size | Under 200 employees | Any size (high-tech certified) |
| Subsidy Rate | 70-100% | 50% |
| Per-Employee Cap | VND 50M | VND 100M |
| Training Focus | Traditional skills, quality, safety | Industry 4.0, automation, advanced tech |
| Approval Level | Provincial DOLISA | Ministry of Science & Technology |
| Timeline | 6-9 months | 7-10 months |
| Certification Required | None (SME status only) | High-tech enterprise certificate |
Common Manufacturing Training Programs
Quality Management Systems
ISO 9001 Quality Management
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Cost: VND 8M-12M per person
- Content: QMS principles, documentation, internal audits, continuous improvement
- Outcome: Internal auditor certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: If integrated with digital quality systems
Six Sigma Green Belt
- Duration: 2-3 weeks (part-time)
- Cost: VND 25M-35M per person
- Content: DMAIC methodology, statistical analysis, project execution
- Outcome: Green Belt certification, completed improvement project
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: Yes (if data-driven/digital focus)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Duration: 1 week
- Cost: VND 10M-15M per person
- Content: Control charts, process capability analysis, variation reduction
- Outcome: SPC implementation skills
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: Yes
Automation & Industry 4.0
PLC Programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
- Duration: 4-6 weeks
- Cost: VND 35M-50M per person
- Content: Ladder logic, function blocks, HMI design, troubleshooting
- Outcome: PLC programming certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: Yes (priority)
Industrial Robotics Operation & Maintenance
- Duration: 2-3 weeks
- Cost: VND 30M-45M per person
- Content: Robot programming, safety protocols, preventive maintenance
- Outcome: Robot operator certification (ABB, KUKA, Fanuc)
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: Yes (priority)
SCADA Systems & IoT Integration
- Duration: 3-4 weeks
- Cost: VND 40M-60M per person
- Content: SCADA configuration, sensor integration, data visualization, alarm systems
- Outcome: SCADA implementation skills
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: Yes (priority for IoT focus)
Smart Factory & MES Implementation
- Duration: 6-8 weeks (part-time)
- Cost: VND 70M-90M per person
- Content: Manufacturing execution systems, real-time production tracking, OEE optimization
- Outcome: MES implementation capability
- Decree 80 Eligible: Limited (exceeds VND 50M cap) | Decree 182: Yes
Safety & Compliance
ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Cost: VND 8M-12M per person
- Content: Hazard identification, risk assessment, safety management systems
- Outcome: Internal auditor certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes (100% in some provinces for priority occupation) | Decree 182: No
Forklift Operation Certification
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Cost: VND 5M-8M per person
- Content: Safe operation, load handling, workplace regulations
- Outcome: Licensed forklift operator certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes (often 100% subsidy) | Decree 182: No
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) & Machine Safety
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Cost: VND 6M-10M per person
- Content: Energy isolation procedures, safety protocols, compliance
- Outcome: Safety certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: No
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
Lean Manufacturing Fundamentals
- Duration: 1-2 weeks
- Cost: VND 12M-18M per person
- Content: Waste elimination, value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen
- Outcome: Lean practitioner certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: If combined with digital lean tools
Kaizen & Continuous Improvement
- Duration: 1 week
- Cost: VND 10M-15M per person
- Content: Problem-solving methodologies, root cause analysis, team facilitation
- Outcome: Kaizen leader skills
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: No
5S Implementation & Workplace Organization
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Cost: VND 5M-8M per person
- Content: 5S principles, visual management, standardized work
- Outcome: 5S coordinator certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: No
Technical Skills
CNC Machining & Programming
- Duration: 6-12 weeks
- Cost: VND 40M-70M per person
- Content: G-code programming, CAD/CAM, tooling, precision measurement
- Outcome: CNC operator/programmer certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Partial (exceeds VND 50M cap for comprehensive programs) | Decree 182: Yes
CAD/CAM Software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
- Duration: 4-8 weeks
- Cost: VND 25M-40M per person
- Content: 3D modeling, technical drawings, tolerancing, assemblies
- Outcome: CAD certification
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: Yes
Welding Certifications (MIG, TIG, Arc)
- Duration: 4-8 weeks
- Cost: VND 30M-50M per person
- Content: Welding techniques, metallurgy, inspection, safety
- Outcome: Certified welder (AWS or equivalent)
- Decree 80 Eligible: Yes | Decree 182: If for advanced materials/robotics
Implementation Strategy for Manufacturing Companies
Phase 1: Skills Gap Assessment (Month 1)
Production Floor Assessment:
- Survey current operator capabilities
- Identify equipment requiring specialized training
- Review quality defect data (what skills would reduce defects?)
- Assess automation readiness
Supervisory Assessment:
- Evaluate team leader and supervisor management skills
- Identify need for continuous improvement capabilities
- Assess safety and compliance knowledge gaps
Engineering Assessment:
- Review maintenance team technical skills
- Identify Industry 4.0 capability gaps
- Assess design/engineering software proficiency
Phase 2: Prioritize Training (Month 1-2)
Tier 1: Safety & Compliance (Immediate - often 100% subsidized)
- Forklift certifications
- LOTO and machine safety
- ISO 45001 awareness
Tier 2: Quality & Productivity (Short-term ROI)
- SPC and quality control
- Lean manufacturing and 5S
- Six Sigma for problem-solving
Tier 3: Technical Skills (Medium-term capacity building)
- CNC programming and operation
- PLC programming for maintenance
- CAD/CAM for engineering
Tier 4: Industry 4.0 (Strategic transformation)
- Robotics and automation
- IoT and data analytics
- Smart factory systems
Phase 3: Secure Funding (Month 2-3)
For SMEs (under 200 employees):
- Assess Decree 80 eligibility and provincial subsidy rates
- Prepare training plan aligned with production goals
- Obtain quotations from 3+ licensed providers
- Submit to provincial DOLISA
- Expect 70-100% subsidy
For Larger/High-Tech Manufacturers:
- Evaluate high-tech enterprise certification (if not certified)
- If certified, prepare Decree 182 application
- Focus on Industry 4.0 and automation training
- Submit to MOST or provincial Dept. of Science & Technology
- Expect 50% subsidy up to VND 100M per employee
Phase 4: Schedule Training Around Production (Month 3-6)
Minimize Production Disruption:
- Schedule operator training during low-production periods
- Use shift rotation: train one shift while others maintain production
- Weekend or evening training for critical roles
- On-site training to reduce travel time
Maintain Quality During Training:
- Train trainers first (cascade model)
- Pair trainees with experienced workers during transition
- Monitor quality metrics closely during training periods
- Build buffer inventory for critical products
Phase 5: Implement & Measure Impact (Month 6+)
Key Performance Indicators:
- Quality: Defect rates, first-pass yield, customer returns
- Productivity: Output per employee, OEE (overall equipment effectiveness), cycle time reduction
- Safety: Lost-time injury rate, near-miss reporting, safety audit scores
- Cost: Scrap reduction, rework costs, maintenance costs
- Delivery: On-time delivery, lead time reduction
Expected ROI (based on client data):
- Quality training: 20-40% defect reduction within 3-6 months
- Lean/5S: 10-25% productivity improvement within 6 months
- Automation training: 30-60% cycle time reduction on automated processes within 1 year
- Safety training: 40-70% reduction in safety incidents within 1 year
Regional Manufacturing Training Providers
National Providers (All Regions)
FPT Software Academy
- Locations: Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang
- Specialties: PLC programming, industrial automation, CAD/CAM
- MOET Licensed: Yes
- Delivery: On-site available for groups 15+
LILAMA 2 Training Center
- Locations: HCMC, Binh Duong, Dong Nai
- Specialties: Welding, CNC machining, mechanical skills
- MOET Licensed: Yes
- Delivery: In-person vocational training focus
Vietnam Productivity Institute (VPI)
- Locations: Hanoi, HCMC
- Specialties: Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, quality systems
- MOET Licensed: Yes
- Delivery: In-person and on-site
Regional Manufacturing Hubs
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh)
- Hanoi University of Science & Technology: Advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0
- Vocational Training Center Hanoi: Operator and technician certifications
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Quang Nam)
- Da Nang Polytechnic College: CNC, welding, automation
- Central Vietnam Productivity Center: Lean, quality management
South Vietnam (HCMC, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Ba Ria-Vung Tau)
- HCMC Technical College: Comprehensive vocational training
- Binh Duong Vocational College: Automation, electronics manufacturing
- Dong Nai Technical College: Mechanical, welding, quality control
International Providers (MOET-Approved)
Festo Didactic (Germany)
- Focus: Industrial automation, mechatronics, pneumatics
- Delivery: On-site training with equipment
- Cost: VND 50M-80M per person (comprehensive programs)
- Decree 182: Yes (high-tech focus)
Siemens Automation Training
- Focus: Siemens PLC, HMI, SCADA
- Delivery: Certified training centers + on-site
- Cost: VND 40M-70M per person
- Decree 182: Yes
ABB Robotics Academy
- Focus: ABB robot programming and maintenance
- Delivery: Regional training centers
- Cost: VND 35M-60M per person
- Decree 182: Yes (robotics priority)
Real Manufacturing Company Examples
Case Study 1: Plastic Injection Molding SME (Binh Duong)
Company: 85 employees, automotive parts supplier
Challenge: High defect rate (8%), losing major client
Training Strategy (Decree 80):
- 12 operators: SPC and quality control (VND 12M each)
- 6 technicians: Injection molding troubleshooting (VND 18M each)
- 4 supervisors: Six Sigma Green Belt (VND 30M each)
- Total cost: VND 372M
Decree 80 Subsidy: 80% (Binh Duong rate)
- Recovery: VND 297.6M
- Net cost: VND 74.4M
Outcome (6 months post-training):
- Defect rate: 8% → 2.9% (64% reduction)
- Retained major client + won new contract
- ROI: 12:1 (savings from scrap reduction vs. net training cost)
Case Study 2: Electronics Manufacturing (Hanoi High-Tech Zone)
Company: 280 employees, high-tech certified
Challenge: Manual quality inspection bottleneck, need automation
Training Strategy (Decree 182):
- 8 engineers: Computer vision for automated optical inspection (VND 70M each)
- 12 technicians: Robotic material handling (VND 45M each)
- 6 IT staff: Industrial IoT and data analytics (VND 60M each)
- Total cost: VND 1,460M
Decree 182 Subsidy: 50%
- Recovery: VND 730M
- Net cost: VND 730M
Outcome (1 year post-training):
- Automated optical inspection implemented (8x faster than manual)
- Material handling automated (3 workers freed up for value-added tasks)
- Real-time quality data dashboard (predictive defect detection)
- Annual savings: VND 2.1B from labor + quality improvements
- ROI: 2.9:1 in year 1, accelerating in years 2-3
Case Study 3: Food Processing (Mekong Delta)
Company: 120 employees, seafood processing
Challenge: Need ISO 9001 and HACCP for export markets
Training Strategy (Decree 80 - 100% subsidy available)
- 15 production staff: HACCP principles (VND 8M each)
- 8 QC staff: ISO 9001 internal auditor (VND 10M each)
- 5 supervisors: Quality management systems (VND 15M each)
- Total cost: VND 275M
Decree 80 Subsidy: 100% (less-developed province + priority occupation)
- Recovery: VND 275M
- Net cost: VND 0
Outcome:
- Achieved ISO 9001 and HACCP certification
- Qualified for EU and US export markets
- Revenue increase: 40% from new export contracts
- Training was completely free (100% subsidy)
Working with Pertama Partners
Pertama Partners specializes in manufacturing training programs:
Manufacturing Assessment:
- Production floor skills gap analysis
- Quality and safety audit with training recommendations
- Industry 4.0 readiness evaluation
- ROI modeling for training investments
Subsidy Program Navigation:
- Decree 80 vs. 182 eligibility assessment
- High-tech enterprise certification (if pursuing Decree 182)
- Complete application preparation and submission
- Maximize subsidy recovery (70-100% for SMEs, 50% for high-tech)
Training Provider Network:
- Verified MOET-licensed manufacturing trainers
- On-site training coordination (minimize production disruption)
- International provider partnerships (Festo, Siemens, ABB)
- Custom program design for specific manufacturing needs
Implementation Support:
- Training scheduling around production calendars
- Cascade training model (train-the-trainer)
- Post-training KPI tracking and ROI measurement
- Continuous improvement planning
Typical Results:
- VND 200M-2B annual training subsidy recovered per client
- 20-40% improvement in quality metrics within 6 months
- 95%+ subsidy approval rate
- Zero production shutdowns for training
Contact Pertama Partners to build a manufacturing training strategy that drives productivity, quality, and competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as the training is approved before it begins. In fact, training operators before equipment installation is recommended - they'll be productive faster. Include equipment arrival timeline in your training plan and explain the business rationale (minimize production ramp-up time). DOLISA typically approves this approach.
Use shift rotation training: Train Shift A while Shift B and C maintain production, rotate. Or weekend intensive programs. Or on-site training during shift (trainer on factory floor, trainees rotate through training station while maintaining minimum production staffing). Decree 80 and 182 both allow flexible scheduling - just document actual attendance regardless of when training occurs.
Yes, if you can demonstrate serious purchase intent (quotations, budget approval, timeline). This is common for automation projects - train staff first, then implement. However, be prepared to provide equipment purchase evidence during reimbursement claim (PO, delivery docs). If equipment purchase falls through, subsidy may be at risk.
You may need to refund a prorated portion of subsidy (e.g., employee leaves after 6 months = refund 50%). Mitigate this by: (1) training critical/stable employees first, (2) requiring employees to sign training bonds (they repay if they leave voluntarily before 12 months), (3) targeting supervisors and technical staff (lower turnover than operators). Document turnover to show it was involuntary if possible (dismissal for cause, layoff).
Yes - customer requirements are excellent justification for training. In your application, explicitly state the training is needed to maintain/win customer contracts. This demonstrates clear business benefit and strengthens your case. Many manufacturers successfully claim for automotive, electronics, medical device client-required certifications.
For Decree 80 (provincial), apply to the DOLISA where each factory is registered. You can run multiple applications simultaneously in different provinces. For Decree 182 (ministry-level), you apply once to MOST regardless of factory locations. This is an advantage of high-tech certification - single application process for multi-site companies.
Yes - this is exactly the type of capability-building Vietnam's subsidy programs aim to support. In your training plan, explicitly state the goal is knowledge transfer from expats and localization of technical expertise. Consider having expats serve as trainers (through licensed institution) or use train-the-trainer model. Document cost savings from expat reduction in your business case.
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