Vocational education deal signed with Germany

The memorandum of understanding was signed on Thursday during a “Dual Vocational Education Thailand” event, which showcased collaboration between entrepreneurs and successful pioneering offices in managing dual vocational education from Germany (German-Thai Dual Excellence Education-GTDEE project) and other countries.

This event, the first of its kind in Thailand, follows the government policy to increase the number of vocational education students, in order to fulfil the economic needs of Thailand and the Asean Economic Community. 

Education Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai presided over the event, while Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha toured the event on its second day.

FTI president Supant Mongkolsuthree said Germany was a leading industrial nation, and therefore a good partner to strengthen Thai industry and education, which would make Thailand competitive. The MoU was a good start and real work would be seen from now on.

Phongsakdi Chakshuvej, president of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, said that in supporting the government’s strategy of making Thailand a trading hub, the GTDEE project that started last year could be an important tool. GTDEE introduces the German style of dual vocational education by bringing the school into the company, which means work-based learning with 40 per cent theory and 60 per cent practical training. 

As well as learning activities, the same standard examination as in Germany would be used. This would help students get a certificate that is accepted worldwide.

Dr Chaiyapreuk Sereerak, secretary-general of Ovec, said the collaboration with Germany, a leading proponent of dual vocational education, would set a premium standard for Thai colleges.

Alongside the MoU, there was an exhibition displaying the development of German-Thai Dual Vocational Education. Three German companies were present at the GTDEE pavilion: Mercedes-Benz, BMW Group Thailand, and B Grimm Group.