In order to enhance the competence of teachers in the fields of electrics, electronics, and mechatronics, the further training on “Introduction to the Project-Work in Mechatronics” was organised and conducted from 23 to 27 March 2020 at LILAMA 2 International Technology College by two LILAMA 2 multipliers, Mr. Nguyen Trong Tin and Mr. Kieu Tan Thoi. 20 LILAMA 2 teachers was provided with knowledge about the project methods of 4 steps, 6 steps (Collecting information, Planning and Preparing, Making decision, Quality Inspection and Supervision, Evaluation), and practical application of high-level technology in teaching as well as developing assignments for students.

Continuing to the success and application of the first training, the training on project-oriented “Installation of hydraulic controls, Pipe bending, tailor-made hydraulic pipe connectorisation” was conducted for 18 teachers of Ninh Thuan, Long An, and An Giang Vocational Colleges and LILAMA 2. In the duration of 20 to 30 July 2020, with the instructions of LILAMA 2 trainers, Mr. Kieu Tan Thoi and Mr. Le Van Hung, the participants could be exposed to various professional practical assignments, which may strengthen the essential capacities. One remarkable point of this training course is teachers can apply acquired knowledge and skills on pedagogical methodologies from the first training into this particularly project-oriented training, in which participants can better the competences on distinguishing, designing, installing and operating hydraulic system, drafting the path of steel pipes, measuring distance between hydraulic elements, and developing hydraulic training materials.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien, the Dean of LILAMA 2 International Electrics – Electronics Faculty, commented: “I’m very interested in the parts: application of GRAFCET, IoT gateway, and G120 inverter. Furthermore, I felt inspired to cooperate with other teachers from Electrics and Mechatronics Faculties in preparing a mini project about upgrading bottle filling system while the other groups were also responsible for different projects such as upgrading bottle rinsing system, bottle capping system, or bottle inspection system”. As one of the enthusiastic participants, she also supplemented: “Each groupwork’s project was evaluated by the trainers at the end of the training. All of us are happy with what we have done and gained. We are also willing to improve ourselves through sincere and constructive comments or recommendations from other participants”.

 “At An Giang Vocational College, there are also the same hydraulic stations as at LILAMA 2, with full range of tools and accessories, I think I can apply the gained competencies for  my teaching work. Frankly to say, other participants and I have broadened knowledge and skills very much from this training course. Particularly, the training has afforded me new experience of evaluating criteria for pipe-bending, bending and assembling pipe assemblies according to the drawings.” expressed Ms. Nguyen Thi Thai Huyen, a mechatronics teacher from An Giang College.

These two training courses were held as the additional functions of “Support of Centres of Excellence (CoEs)”, a part of the Vietnamese-German “Programme Reform of TVET in Viet Nam”. The Programme is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).