Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is encountering difficulties in finding enough skilled workers to manage its growing metro system. The city plans to build six new metro lines over the next five years, with a total of 14 lines expected by 2035. This will create a network spanning more than 700 kilometers. Currently, only one metro line, opened in 2024, is operational. It employs 1,000 people in roles such as maintenance, train operation, and control, according to Le Minh Triet, director of Ho Chi Minh City's Urban Rail Transit Company No. 1, as reported by VN Express. As more metro lines are built, the demand for skilled workers is expected to grow rapidly. By 2030, the city will need approximately 70,000 workers to support its expanding metro network. These workers will be needed at various skill levels, including engineers, technicians, consultants, and designers. Around 30,000 of these positions will focus on operating and maintaining the metro system, while about 12,000 will be involved in the construction of new lines. Vietnam, with a population of 100 million, has 57 million people in the active workforce. However, many sectors, including tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, are struggling with labor shortages. Employers report that there is a mismatch between the skills of job seekers and the needs of the market. A recent study by the International Labour Organization highlights the challenges young graduates face in securing qualified jobs. Only about 30% of the active population has a college or higher education degree, and unemployment among those aged 15 to 25 exceeds 8%. This gap between education and the technical requirements of industries is making it difficult for young people to find work, even as the country's economy continues to grow. Under the leadership of President To Lam, Vietnam is striving to become a hub for new technologies. Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has seen an increase in investments, particularly in the tech sector. This growth has been partly driven by foreign companies moving their operations from China to Vietnam, seeking more favorable business conditions. As the country works to build a modern infrastructure, including its expanding metro system, addressing the skills gap will be crucial for achieving its economic goals.