Before the new model was launched, a series of conferences, training programs, and hands-on workshops were held across the province. These focused on standardizing professional competencies, administrative procedure (AP) handling skills, IT application, and operational workflows suited to the new structure, where the commune level no longer depends on district-level coordination.

The Điện Biên provincial Department of Science and Technology, as the responsible agency, successfully organized an online training conference on the use of the provincial Administrative Procedure Resolution System, with live connections to People’s Committees at district, town, city, and commune levels (prior to the dissolution of district-level government). Hundreds of officials were trained in step-by-step procedures, from receiving and processing applications to coordinating results with departments and agencies. Beyond mastering the system, the training also deepened their understanding of how local governments now function independently of the former district tier and are directly accountable to the province and citizens.

Trần Quốc Quân, Deputy Director of the Public Administration Center in Nà Tấu commune, shared: “In the past, many procedures required district-level approval. Now, communes handle everything directly on the system. While the pressure is real, the training has helped us fully grasp the processes, become familiar with the software, and understand how to connect and report results to higher levels. More importantly, officials now realize their role isn’t limited to receiving paperwork, they are responsible for resolving each procedure from start to finish.”

In addition to technical knowledge, communication and administrative interaction skills have become essential for commune-level staff. Direct engagement with the public requires professionalism, a respectful attitude, and a service-oriented mindset, all of which foster trust in grassroots governance. For this reason, before transitioning to the new model, districts and cities proactively organized soft skills training sessions for commune-level officials. These covered public service interactions, problem-solving, proper conduct, and professional responsibility.

Đào Duy Thạch, Vice Chairman of Mường Lạn commune and former Head of the Home Affairs Department of Mường Ảng district, emphasized: “This was a necessary preparation step that enables grassroots officials to be not only technically competent but also confident and flexible in handling real-world situations, especially in remote ethnic minority areas, where gaps still exist between policy and public awareness.”

In reality, officials under the two-tier system are not only expected to fulfill administrative functions but also to “go door-to-door,” guiding, explaining, and even helping people adjust to the new mechanisms. Thus, training in communication skills is absolutely vital.

Nguyễn Tiến Đạt, Director of the Department of Home Affairs, affirmed: “Restructuring the administrative apparatus for streamlining poses high demands on commune-level staff, particularly in remote areas. With workloads increasing, many tasks previously handled by districts, commune officials now need comprehensive leadership skills, systems thinking, and cross-sectoral management abilities. Therefore, the new system must set out a clear roadmap for training and capacity-building.”

He added: “Training content must be practical, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and technology adoption. This is a key factor for the new system to operate efficiently and reduce administrative burdens. Without proper preparation, officials may face confusion, overlapping responsibilities, or burnout under the new system. Thus, training must be implemented methodically and comprehensively. Only when officials are equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and leadership mindset can they effectively fulfill their new roles.”