Panyapiwat Institute stresses work-based learning as it enters a new decade

“This ensures their educational success and guarantees employment after graduation,” Krisanapong said at an academic talk on work-based learning and ways to develop the country’s vocational education.
His speech was part of the 10th anniversary of the Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM), held by the Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education, in cooperation with CP All Public Company.
Dr Krisanapong said: “Work-based learning is highly essential because skills can be best developed through ongoing and real-world practice.”
Kosak Chairatsamisak, vice chairman of the board and chief executive officer of CP All, said, “We started this bilateral education or work-based learning approach in 2005 under the name of PIM – in accordance with CP All’s social contribution policy.”
The institute offers vocational certificate programmes in retail business and mechanical electricity.
“We realised that on-the-job training and income generation during study periods would be helpful for students,” said Kosak. “We designed an education system that encourages students to work on a part-time basis. For example, students studying in the retail business programme spend 3 months in the classroom, followed by a 3-month apprenticeship, and then repeat the process again for a total of 3 years before graduation.” he said
PIM students are also equipped for real-world working experiences.
Over the past 10 years, Panyapiwat Technological College, Panyapiwat Learning Centre and participating private vocational colleges have produced more than 12,000 competent and qualified graduates. Now, PIM has more than 10,000 students enrolling in work-based learning programmes.
In addition, PIM has trained a workforce whose skills match labour market requirements, especially in the labour-intensive service and retail sectors. The work-based learning approach is a crucial factor encouraging the cultivation of practical knowledge and real-life experience – very useful for students when they work in real-life situations.
Since 2008, CP All has worked with leading private vocational colleges to offer certificate programmes in retail business. This effort is to provide local communities with more educational opportunities and accessibility to a complete source of knowledge in retail industry – such as computer literacy, the art of selling, product exhibition, quality assurance and productivity.
PIM has announced enrolment of 1,850 new students: 900 for retail business and 950 for the mechanical electricity programme. The direct enrollment for the current academic year continues until April. CP has allocated more than Bt40 million for living allowances and tuition fee scholarships. For more information, contact Smile Center at 0 2711 7677 or visit http://www.panyapiwat.ac.th.