HCMC – HCMC plans to train nearly 500 core personnel to operate seven new metro lines as the city works toward building an urban rail network totaling 355 kilometers by 2035 and 510 kilometers by 2045.
The municipal government has approved a training program for urban rail staff for the 2025-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. The goal is to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of planning, constructing, managing, operating, and maintaining metro systems to international standards.
The program includes long-term training and short-term courses tailored to specific positions. Training will cover engineering, infrastructure, technology, transit-oriented development (TOD), environmental management, safety, and risk control. City leaders and senior officials will also receive updates on regulatory frameworks, investment models, and global trends in metro development.
By 2030, the city aims to provide in-depth training to at least half of its 60 core urban rail managers, including 5–10 holding master’s degrees. By 2035, 80% of this group is expected to be trained, with 30% having master’s degrees and 10% doctoral degrees. From 2035 to 2045, the city targets full professional standardization, with more than 50% holding master’s degrees and 10–20% holding doctoral qualifications.
HCMC will train 160 metro project managers by 2030, increasing to 310 by 2035 and 400 by 2045. Leaders from relevant departments will receive annual refresher training. Each year, at least half of metro personnel will be sent overseas to learn about new technologies and operational practices.
HCMC has brought Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien) into service and is preparing to start work on Metro Line No. 2 (Ben Thanh–Tham Luong). The city still relies heavily on foreign specialists due to shortages of qualified domestic staff. Officials say comprehensive training is essential for the city to take full control of metro operations as the network expands in the coming decades.
