Bangkok: "Varawut" supports IEAT's collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to upgrade Thai workforce skills to support electric vehicles (EVs).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Industry, has outlined a strategic initiative aimed at aiding workers in the automotive industry who may be affected by the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. The traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sector is expected to experience disruptions due to the rise of EVs, necessitating a systematic approach to equip the workforce with the requisite skills for this transition.
The initial phase of this initiative focuses on accelerating collaboration and revising educational curricula to prioritize future skills. The Ministry of Industry, in coordination with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), will work to develop new knowledge for students. The updated curricula will emphasize skills vital for the EV sector, such as coding and electric motor maintenance, reflecting the significant differences between EV systems and traditional internal combustion engines.
Mr. Varawut highlighted the launch of a pilot project, the Sandbox in Suphan Buri, designed to bridge the gap between education and the job market. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has been tasked with developing this project in collaboration with technical, vocational, and polytechnic colleges in Suphan Buri province. The goal is to align educational programs with market demands, enabling graduates to seamlessly enter the workforce across more than 5,000 companies within the industrial estates. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry has established the IEAT Academy in collaboration with the IEAT to serve as a hub for upskilling and reskilling both entrepreneurs and the emerging workforce.
Workers seeking to enhance their skills in line with new technological advancements are encouraged to reach out to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand for support. This initiative ensures that Thai workers are well-equipped to play a crucial role in advancing the country's green economy.