English – from “advantage” to “requirement” for Vietnamese working people

Just a few years ago, in the eyes of many Vietnamese candidates, English was just a “plus point” to impress on their CV. But the current labor market landscape has changed rapidly. Deeper integration into the global supply chain, the rise of the service economy and the impact of AI have made English no longer a “plus point”, but a basic condition to not be eliminated from the game.

According to the EF EPI 2023, the English proficiency index of Vietnamese workers is 10 points lower than the ASEAN average. Meanwhile, the Global Competitiveness Report 2023 (WEF) noted that more than 70% of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises are expanding international cooperation. This difference signals a large capacity gap: if foreign language standards are not quickly raised, Vietnamese workers will find it difficult to compete in a cross-border environment.

The practical question for busy working people: how to learn so that it can be used immediately and the results can be measured?

Trends shaping the demand for English in the workplace

Here are three big trends that show why English is becoming the minimum requirement:

● Supply chain integration: More than 60% of new international contracts signed in the period 2024-2025 require direct communication in English (Vietnam Logistics Report 2024). This is not only a trend in the logistics industry, but also spreads to manufacturing, import-export, and services.

● AI redefines jobs: As technology handles repetitive tasks, humans must prove their value in communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. According to PwC, 45% of cross-border financial transactions in Vietnam will require personnel with English proficiency of B2 or higher.

● Advanced professional standards: VietnamWorks 2024 survey shows that 81% of employers require management candidates to be able to communicate in English. No longer a “priority”, this is now a “requirement” in many job descriptions.

Optimal English solution for working people

That is the trend, however not all working people can find a reasonable English learning path to balance work and life.

This is also the reason why many English learning models for adults have been born, including Wall Street English - a training system according to CEFR standards. The difference lies in the optimization for the busy life of office workers:

● Flexible 24/7 – online, at the center or hybrid: Short, highly applicable micro-learning lessons combined with live speaking practice sessions with qualified English teachers, helping students improve their English reflexes.

● Communication focus: Listening - Speaking - Reading - Writing according to work context; practice real situations (sprint meetings, plan presentations, complaint handling...)

● Personalized roadmap with 20 CEFR levels: Input assessment, B1/B2/B2+ goal setting, weekly progress tracking. Students know where they are and what they need to move to the next level.

● Each student has a personal coach who closely follows the path, suggests a suitable study schedule, and reminds them of study habits to avoid "interruptions".

Thanks to that, many students quickly noticed clear improvements: better pronunciation, more coherent presentation and confidence in working with international partners.

The global labor picture shows that English has become the minimum competency of Vietnamese workers. The important thing is not just to learn an additional skill, but to build the habit of using English in all work situations. With the support of appropriate training models, each individual can completely turn foreign language into a real “working language”, instead of just a line of text on the resume.

Visit the website Wallstreetenglish.edu.vn for more information or call the hotline 1800 646448 for free consultation.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/tieng-anh-tu-loi-the-thanh-dieu-kien-bat-buoc-cua-nguoi-di-lam-viet-nam-post1782139.tpo