Thailand upgrades vocational colleges towards ASEAN Community goal

The Secretary-General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Dr. Chaiprug Sereerak, stressed the need to upgrade vocational education standards for 197 small colleges nationwide.

He said that the three-year project, with an annual budget allocation of 150 million baht, would begin in 2013. A small college is defined as an educational institution with less than 1,200 students. Under the project, small vocational colleges will receive funds to ease their shortages, improve their premises, enhance the quality of teaching personnel and students, and develop the management system.

In order to produce sufficient personnel in response to the demand for graduates in technician jobs in the ASEAN market, he said, each college must adjust its management by introducing vocational innovations. For instance, English programs should be included in its educational management, and specialized fields of study should be arranged for students with specific talents. In addition, special programs should also be opened for certain target groups.

Speaking about preparations for the ASEAN Community, Dr. Chaiprug said that, a plan had been worked out to enhance competitiveness for vocational students, who would be divided into two groups.

The first group comprises brilliant students who have good potential for competing in foreign countries. They will be provided with English programs, starting in 2013. A total of 32 vocational colleges in 28 provinces have so far started the programs. A target has been set for English programs to cover 150 vocational colleges in 2013.

The second group, comprising general students, will also be equipped with skills in vocational professions, information technology, and working with people of different cultures.

Moreover, beginning in March 2013, the bachelor’s degree curriculum has been introduced in various vocational institutions, depending on their readiness. Private workplaces have also been asked to accept vocational students for training. In the initial stage, the bachelor’s degree curriculum, focusing on practical experience, will be opened for 28 fields of study, such as those concerning electricity and electronics, automotive parts, and tourism. A total of 30 students in each field will be accepted for each room.

Dr. Chaiprug pointed out that Thailand is likely to become a leader in this region, if the introduction of vocational education at a bachelor’s degree proves successful. He said that vocational education is becoming a major driving force in producing personnel of good quality for Thailand, in preparation for the soon-to-be ASEAN Community.