The Department of Skill Development (DSD) in Thailand is gearing up for a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of over 5 million workers by 2025, prioritising digital technology to bolster industrial growth. This ambitious retraining programme is a strategic response to evolving business needs, as highlighted by Decha Pruekphathanarak, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Labour.
Aligning with the 2025 policy guidelines set forth by the government and Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the initiative positions the Ministry of Labour as a pivotal force in propelling the economy forward. The focus is to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet the demands of Thailand’s burgeoning industries.
With 13 courses currently available, the upskilling and reskilling efforts are tailored to align with the government’s priorities, including the promotion of soft power, advancements in the automotive industry, and the burgeoning fields of digital technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI). These courses are accessible online, allowing workers to partake in training outside regular working hours.
“The DSD has collaborated with public and private sector partners to design these training courses, encouraging workers to take standardised skill tests post-training to qualify for higher wages.”
The department is also set to expand its testing centres to encompass 129 professions, introducing measures to motivate entrepreneurs to invest in their employees’ skill development. This effort is supported by the skill development promotion law, which offers benefits to employers who facilitate skill enhancement opportunities for their staff.
This comprehensive approach not only aims to uplift individual worker competencies but also seeks to drive overall economic growth by ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern industries. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, the DSD is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive Thai economy, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, Thailand’s Labour Ministry is set to extend the retirement age for both private and government sectors to 65 years, aligning it with countries like Singapore and Switzerland, announced Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
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