February 4, 2023

City of Vacaville Introduces Next Generation to Biotechnology and Advanced Manufacturing

Vacaville high school students explore local career opportunities to honor National Career Technical Education Month

VACAVILLE, Calif., Feb. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — February is National Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, and the City of Vacaville joined the celebration by hosting a field trip for 58 Vacaville high school students February 3. The field trip included several locations around Vacaville and Solano County to explore advanced manufacturing and biotechnology.

Every February, the Association for Career and Technical Education encourages communities to celebrate CTE Month, to raise awareness of the role that CTE has in readying learners for college and career success. This is also a time when the City of Vacaville recognizes and celebrates the contributions and achievements of community CTE partners including Solano Community College (SCC) and The Workforce Development Board of Solano County.

“This field trip is an excellent opportunity for Vacaville’s young people to explore advanced manufacturing and biotechnology first-hand,” said Don Burrus, Director of Economic Development Services for the City of Vacaville. “We are excited to give our students this unique learning experience during National Career Technical Education Month and to share opportunities available to them right here in their own community. Not only does this set our students up for success, but it also supports the local, organic growth and expansion of our talent pipeline and attracts more industries.”

Students at ICON Aircraft

Students pose in front of aircraft at ICON Aircraft

The adventure began at the SCC Advanced Manufacturing Lab where students had an opportunity to program CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment which plays a pivotal role in manufacturing. The SCC certificate and degree program trains students on electrical and mechanical components used in manufacturing systems.

“The program offers a great solution for students to get into higher level jobs,” said Douglas Green, Advanced Manufacturing Instructor with SCC. “Students get a lot of hands-on training working on real projects, learning how to troubleshoot and problem solve. Almost all of our students, if they’re not already working, receive several competing job offers to go right to work.”

Moving next to Wunder-Bar, students experienced firsthand the shift from learning environment to real world manufacturing. Wunder-Bar manufactures food and beverage dispensing systems. A leader in the industry, they pride themselves on innovation, custom product development, quality and top-notch service.

“Career and Technical Education is critical to meeting the workforce needs,” said Emmalie Hawes, Director of Human Resources West Coast, Foodservice West with Wunder-Bar. “Careers in advanced manufacturing are not only in high demand, but they also lead to highly successful careers. As a long-standing business in the community, we are dedicated in advancing the cause.”

Next on the itinerary, students visited the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville for a tour of the SCC Aeronautics Center where they learned about Airframe and Power Plant Maintenance. The program equips students with practical and theoretical knowledge in basic maintenance techniques, and special requirements of airframe and powerplant work. Upon conclusion, students are eligible to take the Federal Aviation Administration written oral and practical examination for airframe or powerplant license.

Creating the connection from education to practice, students then visited ICON Aircraft in Vacaville who provided a tour of their aircraft production facility and an opportunity for the students to meet the technicians who build the amphibious light-sport aircraft.

“ICON takes pride in its aircraft design and is very proud to invite the local community to see the great work that we do in designing the best light aircraft with the first ever “spin resistant” seal of approval from the FAA,” shared Maria Odena Head of ICON’s Human Resources.

“A career in manufacturing typically gives most individuals a hands on experience working with exciting new technologies or products,” added Andrew Mesias, ICON’s Senior Manager at the Aircraft Completion Center.

Solano Community College Biomanufacturing Program

Professors Jim DeKloe and Michael Silva discuss programs with students.

The day was concluded with biomanufacturing which included a tour of the Solano College Vacaville Campus California Biomanufacturing Education Center. The $34 million Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to further new education opportunities and is one of 15 community colleges in California that offers a Bachelor of Science degree.

“The students can come in, and depending on their personal circumstances, can exit into a high tech, high quality, high potential for upward mobility career,” said Michael Silva, Professor with the Solano Community College Biotechnology Program. “We have a near 100% placement rate and are trying to increase the pipeline and the number of students who are taking our program with a high school to Ph.D. pathway with multiple entry and exit points.”

CNC Machine Operation

CNC Machine is demonstrated to students at Solano Community College Manufacturing Program

The final business tour at Vacaville’s RxD Nova Pharmaceuticals created the link between classroom and career. Students were able to see how a biomanufacturing facility operates and the types of careers available in the industry. Students learned the concept of biological drugs and how they differ from chemical drugs, as well as the application of biological drugs in clinical treatment.

“RxD Nova Pharmaceuticals is an emerging biotechnology and biomanufacturing company,” shared Dr. W Shen, Chief Operating Officer at RxD Nova Pharmaceuticals. “We support Vacaville’s Career Technical Education program because we want to help Vacaville’s youth grow. Vacaville has long been the center of biomanufacturing in California. We need to help encourage younger, talented students to join the industry and support the development of biomedicine.”

Solano Community College Aeronautics

Students receive information at Solano Community College Aeronautics program.

The City of Vacaville has become a leader in the life-science market with a robust Biotech Strategy and a Biotechnology Fast-Track Program committing the City to processing Planning entitlements in 100 days or less. It is not just about available and affordable land; Vacaville’s prime location and talent pipeline have created the perfect ecosystem. Sharing the exciting career opportunities with local high school students offers each of them a wide variety of options right in their own backyard and secures a future in this rapidly growing field for generations to come.

Contact:
Don Burrus
Director of Economic Development Services
707.449.5611
Don.Burrus@cityofvacaville.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/611d209a-2ff8-4ab6-8ec8-962602aec0ee

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13e5bf96-bd62-49c5-9bb9-e6f73c4dc851

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7e90009-e8cd-4e06-a3d3-3bd6f8eeefd6

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1495acc-f00d-4d95-956c-495808b95433

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8742832

February 4, 2023

Airline agencies asked to tighten control over smuggling by air

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) has asked agencies under its wing to strengthen inspection and supervision to promptly detect and handle smuggling by air.

According to its newly-issued plan, the CAAV asked northern, central and southern airport authorities to intesify supervision to prevent and combat smuggling, commercial fraud, and counterfeit goods of relevant agencies, units, organisations, and individuals in areas under their management.

Businesses operating in airports have to have commitments to strictly complying with anti-smuggling regulations.

Units are asked to strengthen inspection and supervision at sensitive locations such as aviation security checkpoints, baggage and cargo service areas, aircraft repair and maintenance areas, and areas for gathering objects and tools for meals served on aircraft, especially international flights, to promptly detect violations.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) and Van Don International Airport are asked to closely coordinate with relevant units to organise training for the aviation security force so that they are equipped with the proper skills and knowledge to detect counterfeit goods.

The CAAV also asked for further exchange of information and situations among agencies to better control and prevent smuggling activities by air.

Airlines are asked to direct their flight crews and flight attendants to have regular tests while they are on duty.

For Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) and businesses providing catering services, petrol, aircraft repair and maintenance, cargo and service providers at airports, the CAAV requires strict control of people, vehicles, and objects of the units when entering and exiting restricted areas in airports to prevent the acts or abetting acts to smuggling, commercial frauds, and counterfeit goods./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

February 4, 2023

Lao newspaper praises Communist Party of Vietnam’s leadership role

Pasaxon (The People), the official newspaper of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, ran an article on February 3 on the occasion of the 93rd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

The article wrote every time when spring comes, in the jubilant atmosphere of the Lunar New Year, the Vietnamese people joyfully welcome the founding day of the CPV. Over the past 93 springs, the CPV has led its people to fight foreign invaders, gain independence and reunify the country, as well as in nation building and development, contributing to bringing a prosperous and happy life to the people.

Under the leadership of the Party, Vietnam has developed from a poor and backward country, and a colonised country to a developing country with middle income; and its role, position and reputation are increasingly enhanced in the international arena.

The article cited CPV General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as saying that over the past more than 90 years, the Party has established, consolidated and increasingly improved its leadership role, strength and reputation with its own bravery, energy, wisdom and pioneering theories; in the right direction; by tireless efforts of the contingent of officials and party members; by an organisation of solidarity and; and with the wholehearted support and protection by the people.

In fact, since the founding of the Party, Vietnamese people have had a right and clearheaded leader, and therefore they have won various victories and made miracles in the twentieth century, General Secretary Trong said./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

February 4, 2023

Job centres step up efforts to help unemployed workers after Tet

Employment service centres in big cities have increased capacity to help connect workers with vacancies after the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Nguyen Duc Hoang, an electrician in Hanoi, quit his job before the Tet holiday and has been doing a variety of part-time jobs since.

He has been receiving unemployment insurance for three months.

He went to the Hanoi Job Marketplace to find a more stable job with insurance and allowances.

“Through the job marketplace, I was introduced to several jobs related to my profession, and I’m considering them,” said Hoang.

Nguyen Thi Nhung, an accountant, also went to the Hanoi Job Marketplace to find out more information about recruitment after finishing an advanced professional course.

“I already got the information I needed, and I am comparing companies’ conditions and remuneration,” she said.

Vu Quang Thanh, deputy director of the Hanoi Employment Service Centre, said that after the holiday, the Hanoi Job Marketplace re-opened on January 30.

Thematic job introduction sessions would be held regularly this month, with many sessions for young people.

He said that the labour market in Hanoi remained stable.

The centre would continue to collect information to assess the impact of businesses facing difficulties in the labour market. From there, it will organise thematic jobs and online sessions suitable for different people.

Last year, the centre held 262 job introduction sessions, through which 125,000 workers were consulted and provided with labour market information.

More than 55,000 workers were connected with enterprises and interviewed; over 19,500 workers found employment thanks to the sessions.

This year, Hanoi set a target of creating jobs for 162,000 workers, an increase of 2,000 people compared to last year.

Thanh said the centre would strive to implement the city’s job creation plan.

Based on an assessment of the labour market, especially after the Tet holiday, the centre would improve the quality of job introduction sessions.

In Ho Chi Minh City, it is expected that in the first quarter of this year, there will be 11,550 new job positions for footwear, garment, manufacturing, processing, services, accounting and audit.

The HCM City Employment Service Centre said that after the Tet holiday, businesses would recruit many workers to develop production. This would be an opportunity for employees, especially students and graduates, to find jobs and workers who want to change jobs.

In the last months of last year, besides businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn, causing about 53,000 workers lost their jobs. However, other businesses still needed to recruit over 350,000 people, especially technical workers, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).

The MoLISA will review recruitment demand and enterprises’ trading situation, especially foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises needing a lot of labour, such as garment, footwear and wood production.

In addition, job session frequency will be increased, prioritising online sessions and supporting workers with travel expenses when participating in job transactions.

Le Dinh Quang, deputy head of the Policy and Law Department under the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour, said that the current priority was maintaining a flexible and sustainable labour market.

“Workers who lost their jobs can look for jobs in the informal employment sector; then, when the business recovers, they can return to work,” he said./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

February 4, 2023

Circus artists Quoc Co, Quoc Nghiep set new world record

Circus artists Giang Quoc Co and Giang Quoc Nghiep on February 3 (Vietnam time) set a new head-to-head balancing walk plus blindfold record in Milan, Italy.

They walked the 40-cm wide and 10-m long surface and climbed up and down 10 steps in 1 minute and 55 seconds.

The brothers made the record at their first perfomance so they did not need to do it again.

Circus artists Quoc Co, Quoc Nghiep set new world record hinh anh 2

They walked the 40-cm wide and 10-m long surface and climbed up and down 10 steps in 1 minute and 55 seconds.

Co, 34 years old, and Nghiep, 38 years old, said that the record making at this time will a milestone that closes their successful career.

In 2021, the acrobat brothers set a new world record in head-to-head balancing in Catalonia, Spain.

The Vietnamese artists, with Nghiep balancing atop Co’s head, climbed 100 stairs in 53 seconds at Girona Cathedral, the same venue where they set their previous record of 90 steps in 52 seconds in 2016.

Co started circus training when he was four, while Nghiep began at five. The two went professional in 1999. Their head-to-head balancing act got them into the top three finalists on Britain’s Got Talent in 2018.

Circus artists Quoc Co, Quoc Nghiep set new world record hinh anh 3

Quoc Co, Quoc Nghiep pose for a picture with certificate from the Guinness World Records.

The Guinness World Records invited Vietnamese acrobat brothers Giang Quoc Co and Giang Quoc Nghiep to perform in a head-to-head balancing act in the northern Italian city of Milan this February in an attempt to set a new world record.

Quoc Nghiep and his brother Quoc Co, who are widely known as Giang Brothers, have accepted an invitation from the Guinness World Records Organisation to go to Milan, Italy to set a new record on February 1-7, 2023./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

February 4, 2023

Prime Minister pays working visit to Binh Dinh

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh paid a working visit to the south-central coastal province of Binh Dinh on February 4, during which he inspected, and attended the inauguration ceremonies of some infrastructure projects in the locality.

In the morning, PM Chinh listened to a report on a project to upgrade and expand Phu Cat airport, which is being used for both civil and military purposes.

According to a draft master plan on the system of airports and airfields nationwide in the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the Ministry of Transport proposed to increase the capacity of Phu Cat airport from 2 million passengers per year as designed to 5 million by 2030 and 7 million by 2050.

The PM requested the ministry to coordinate with relevant agencies and Binh Dinh province to soon complete the Phu Cat Airport planning dossier to be ready for approval right after the master plan gets the PM’s green light.

Prime Minister pays working visit to Binh Dinh hinh anh 2

PM Pham Minh Chinh (C) and other delegates cut ribbon to open to traffic Cat Tien – My Thanh section (Photo: VNA)

PM Chinh also attended a ceremony to open to traffic the Cat Tien – My Thanh section of the national coastal route.

The 115km coastal road through Binh Dinh, which connects those of Quang Ngai and Phu Yen provinces, has a total investment of around 9 trillion VND (383.8 million USD).

The PM said that investment in upgrading and expanding the coastal route is very necessary to effectively exploit and use marine resources and coastal areas, thus serving socio-economic development of coastal localities, improving people’s material and spiritual life, and strengthening defence and security in order to firmly protect the country’s sovereignty.

Chinh also visited, and talked with people in the social housing area in An Phu Thinh apartment building, Nhon Binh ward, Quy Nhon city.

Currently, Binh Dinh has 7,000 social housing apartments, and is striving to have 20,000 more by 2025.

Chinh expressed his belief that if every locality can develop social housing like Binh Dinh, the country will complete the goal of building 1 million social housing apartments by 2030.

Prime Minister pays working visit to Binh Dinh hinh anh 3

PM Pham Minh Chinh visits Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh Industrial, Urban, and Service Complex (Photo: VNA)

In the morning of the same day, PM Chinh visited the Becamex VSIP Binh Dinh Industrial, Urban, and Service Complex in Nhon Hoi economic zone, Canh Vinh commune, Van Canh district.

It is a cooperation project between the two provinces of Binh Duong and Binh Dinh, implemented by the Becamex IDC Corporation (Binh Duong) and VSIP Group.

The construction of the project, which consists of 1,000 ha for the industrial park and 425 ha for residential, commercial, service, and resettlement areas, has been started since September 2020. Once completed, it is expected to attract about 2 billion USD of investment in industrial production and create 120,000- 150,000 jobs.

Secretary of the Party Committee of Binh Dinh province Ho Quoc Dung said that the project is implemented in an especially disadvantaged commune and that the provincial authorities have created the most favourable conditions for the project, expecting that it will help attract investment and make breakthroughs to the province’s industrial production and services.

In the afternoon, Chinh attended the inauguration ceremony of Dong Mit reservoir in An Lao district.

The reservoir has a basin of 160.3 square kilometres with a capacity of nearly 90 million cubic metre. It has three flood water releasing gates and its main dam is 378m long, and 62m high. Work on the reservoir project started in February 2019 with a total investment of 2.14 trillion VND.

A total of 890 households and nine organisations had to relocate for site clearance.

The Dong Mit reservoir supplies water for irrigation of 6,742 ha, and helps reduce flooding for downstream areas, improve the ecological environment and prevent saline intrusion for downstream areas.

Speaking at the inauguration, PM Chinh asked Binh Dinh authorities to direct relevant units to have an effective exploitation plan, study and develop economic and tourism activities to exploit the potential and advantages of the reservoir.

Authorities must keep paying attention to ensuring stable production and life for affected households, he said.

He asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to continue coordinating with localities in the south central region to study solutions to ensure water security and sustainable socio-economic development for the coastal provinces.

The PM then visited the Dong Mit reservoir resettlement area in the new An Dung commune which is now home to 480 households of the H’re ethnic group who moved to make room for the reservoir project./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency