Bosch opens skills workshop
Bosch, a global supplier of technology and services, yesterday launched its mechatronics apprentice workshop in Thailand to build up a highly skilled technical workforce.
The low unemployment rate of less than 1 per cent is believed to be a reason for weak training. However, training has gained greater focus as Thailand moves towards advanced manufacturing.
The workshop was launched three months after German Ambassador Rolf Schulze said major German companies like BMW, Bosch and B Grimm are joining a campaign to address growing worries about the shortage of skilled labour.
The Bosch apprenticeship programme is part of the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education programme that was launched recently, following the signing of an agreement by Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana and Rolf as representatives of the two governments. A programme coordination office was formed through the cooperation of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and German International Cooperation with support from the three main project partners – Robert Bosch, B Grimm and BMW (Thailand).
Germany is famous for its excellence in vocational training, based on the dual track system that requires students to study in the classroom as well as at the workplace.
Under Bosch’s programme, the first three qualified diploma students of Eastern Technological College (E-Tech) will undergo a two-year dual vocational training course at Bosch’s packaging technology plant, Thai German Institute and E-Tech.
Peter Vandlik, managing director of Robert Bosch Thailand, said the company has realised the importance of producing occupational qualifications that meet industry’s demands. Apprentices will receive a monthly salary, allowance and other benefits from Bosch besides a full scholarship for the two-year vocational programme.
