TRAINING COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN ENGLISH FOR EMPLOYEES IN SOFTWARE COMPANIES IN HO CHI MINH CITY – VIETNAM

Abstract

In the context of globalization and the rapid expansion of Vietnam’s software industry, English communication competence has become an indispensable requirement for information technology professionals. This study examines the current status, challenges, and training practices related to English communication skills among employees working in software companies in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey administered to 330 employees occupying various roles, including software developers, testers, business analysts, and product managers. The findings reveal several critical issues, such as unequal access to English training opportunities, an imbalance in skill development with a predominant focus on speaking over writing, and a limited availability of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs tailored to the software industry. Based on these findings, the study proposes a set of practical recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of English communication skills training in software enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.