The Deputy Labour Minister emphasized that the 2021 budget has commenced and invited the workforce to apply for skills development programs or national labour skill standards assessments in all occupations to raise the level of workmanship and to receive standard wage rates. Currently, 83 programs have been announced, with the profession earning the most at 815 Baht per day.
Deputy Labour Minister Prof. Narumon Pinyosinwat revealed that in 2021, the Department of Skills Development has allocated 1,742,087,000 million Baht and has a target to develop skills 4,129,910 people in the workforce, comprising of 4,000,000 employees through employer training programs and 129,910 people through the DSD’s programs. The DSD has developed a manpower development project in line with the national strategy in terms of security and building competitiveness, the development and empowerment of human resources, and social equality under the concept of “Create, elevate and give, uniting Thailand to build a nation.” The efforts aim to drive Thailand together under the leadership of Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha.
The Deputy Labour Minister said that the DSD has agencies scattered in provinces across the country to develop skills for all worker groups, comprising both formal and informal workers and workers in agriculture. Training is available in both short- and long-term courses, and there are career fields to choose from following the suitability of each area. Staff will give advice on occupations demanded by the labour market or those that continue to generate income. After training, it will coordinate with the Department of Employment to find job vacancies for workers who want to return to the employer-based employment system. However, participants seek self-employment but lack funding, the DSD has partnerships with many commercial banks to provide credit services with the TCG as the guarantee of the loans. This will help trained workers find easier access to funding to help them pursue a career and have continued income to take care of themselves and their families.
The Department of Skill Development’s Director-General Mr. Tawat Benchatikul, provided additional information that the training sessions range from skills training for new workers without prior knowledge. The preparation course has 2-4 months of training and 1-2 months for practical training to enhance the actual work experience. For workers with knowledge in the field who have already attended some training, they can apply for skill enhancement courses training. The duration of the training ranges from 18 hours to 60 hours. In the case of unemployed workers who wish to apply their knowledge to additional occupations, or those who are self-employed or want to change careers, short-term training courses are spanning only three days (18 hours). Most of them are professional fields that can be contracted or self-employed, such as cooking, baking, construction, tiling, electrical work, air conditioner maintenance, and welding.
At present, each province has launched announcements to take applicants who are interested in training and will start training in November 2020 onwards. It will also wait for the budget to be allocated. Several training programs are in line with each province. For example, there will be economic development projects and potential promotion in the South’s southern border provinces, building competitiveness. The training program is organized for excellence in high technology and to develop personnel in logistics. There are skills development programs in the Eastern Special Development Zone and the development of tourism and service skills. The programs aim to create equality for all target worker groups as well.
Those interested in developing their skills to raise the standard of workmanship and receive a suitable wage, have a stable career and income, can apply for training at the Institute or the Office of Skill Development. Those interested can also view the details at www.dsd.go.th to check for training programs, apply or ask for more information at the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline, press 4, or the Corporate Communications Division, Department of Skill Development 0 2245 4035.
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Division of Public Relations
14 October 2020
