Abstract

This study examines how political education is currently used to develop professional ethics among first- year students at Ho Chi Minh City Vocational College. Data were collected from 143 first-year students and 107 administrators, lecturers, and staff members during the 2025–2026 academic year. Survey items were rated on a five-point Likert scale, and the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that students had positive perceptions of the role of political education and professional ethics. However, their interest in the political education course and their perceptions of its relevance to their future careers were less pronounced. Based on these findings, the study proposes updating course content, diversifying teaching methods, expanding experiential learning activities and digital learning resources, and strengthening collaboration with enterprises to enhance professional ethics education for students.

Keywords: First-year students, Ho Chi Minh City Vocational College, political education, professional ethics, vocational education.