A LABS team visited the country in 2005 and explored entry-level avenues available in various sectors by studying the local economy, natural resources, industrial profile, labor market, etc. Focus Group Discussions were held with key people in the business, government and NGO sectors to build an effective B2Y network in IT Enabled Services (web / graphic design), Hospitality (housekeeping & front office) , Embroidery and Customer Relations, Sales & Marketing.

Basic computer literacy, Communicative English and life skills were also included in the curriculum which was developed with the help of experts in the respective sectors. As part of their course, the aspirants also underwent on-the-job training assignments, which not only reinforced their classroom learning but also helped them understand the workplace environment better.

A total of 509 youth – spread over seven batches – were trained at LABS centers set up in Hanoi (235), Hue (138) and Da Nang (136). The program has since been scaled up in Thanh Hoa and Hung Yen, with support from the Government of Vietnam. Plan LABS in Vietnam has also set up a local NGO, Reach.