Bangkok: The Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) and the Board of Investment (BOI) have announced a strategic partnership with the private sector aimed at transforming Thailand's vocational education landscape. This collaboration seeks to enhance vocational training, develop workforce capabilities, and create a pool of highly skilled workers to support the "VOC-UP" investment initiative. The project is expected to generate 3,000 job opportunities over the next five years, with an anticipated investment of 50 billion baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, acting as Prime Minister, presided over a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony. This agreement marks a collaborative effort between OVEC, the Ministry of Education, the BOI, and six private sector organizations to develop a forward-thinking vocational education curriculum. The goal is to produce a skilled workforce that meets the demands of both the local and international industrial markets.
Ms. Linthiporn Warinwatcharoj, Deputy Minister of Education, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch of the Vocational Education Upskill (VOC-UP) project. This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in aligning vocational education with the evolving industrial landscape. The project supports the government's focus on vocational learning for employment, emphasizing dual vocational education and skill enhancement for teachers, students, and curriculum development in partnership with businesses. Target industries for development include Advanced Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Logistics, and Health, with a particular focus on the Printed Circuit Board sector, which requires a substantial number of skilled technicians and engineers.
The VOC-UP project is anticipated to serve as a model for sustainable workforce development, ensuring that Thailand's economy benefits from a continuous supply of quality workers. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between education and the real-world job market under the concept "Building People, Creating Jobs." It has already resulted in the creation of 1,875 jobs, with plans for at least 3,000 jobs over its five-year span.
Mr. Witawat Panjamawat, Deputy Secretary-General of OVEC, emphasized the importance of modern vocational education in keeping pace with industrial and economic changes. The dual vocational education system, which combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience, is integral to preparing students for immediate workforce entry. The collaboration under the VOC-UP concept represents a key step in establishing a systematic network for curriculum design, training, and employment opportunities, enhancing the nation's competitive edge.
Mr. Narit Therdsteerasak, Secretary-General of the BOI, highlighted the significance of the VOC-UP project in attracting foreign investment by ensuring that Thailand can provide a suitably skilled workforce. The program serves as a critical link between vocational students, educational institutions, and the industrial sector, aligning workforce development with industry needs, particularly in emerging sectors like PCB manufacturing.
The launch event showcased exhibitions from the private sector and eight vocational education institutions, displaying innovations and potential across various fields such as Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Maritime Commerce, Petrochemicals, Railway Systems, Electric Vehicles, Intelligent Electronics, Hospitality, and Aviation Business.