8 Years of Driving Workforce Development: Ford Strengthens Apprenticeship Program in Thailand

Ford Thailand is reinforcing its commitment to developing skilled professionals for the Thai automotive industry. Now in its 8^th consecutive year, the company continues its partnership with Thai-Austrian Technical College (TATC) through the ‘Transforming Knowledge into Careers’ project – a program designed to equip young talent and Ford personnel with cutting-edge skill aligned to the evolving demands of the labor market. This year, Ford Thailand proudly renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the dual education system cooperation and awarding scholarships totaling 2 million baht.

The ‘Transforming Knowledge into Careers’ project was initiated in 2017 with the aim of enhancing vocational education, particularly in Mechatronics and Automotive Technology at the Higher Vocational Certificate level. The project is designed to equip young people and Ford personnel with up-to-date skills and knowledge that align with labor market demands. This is achieved through a dual education system, allowing participants to study and gain practical work experience for two years at the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant and Ford service centers located in Rayong, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, and Chachoengsao provinces.

For this year's 8^th cohort, a total of 14 individuals have received scholarships and training opportunities. This includes 9 recipients in the Mechatronics field and 5 in Auto Mechanical. The recipients are students from TATC, Ford employees from FTM plant, and children of Ford employees.

Since its inception in 2017, Ford has invested more than 10 million baht in this program, empowering of 89 recipients - 69 in Mechatronics and 20 in Auto Mechanical, with skills that strengthen Thailand’s automotive workforce and industry.

"It's truly a success and a source of pride for us to witness the robust growth of this project. Our primary objective is to cultivate highly qualified vocational personnel who are prepared to adapt to the continuous technological advancements in the automotive industry," stated Vinko Saric, Director of Operations Transformation, Thailand. "While technical skills are critical, we also emphasize cultivating a 'learning mindset.' Continuous learning and self-improvement are the foundation of becoming a top-tier technician and driving the industry's future success."

"Highly skilled technicians who are capable of handling complex vehicle technology are essential for delivering the best possible customer experience.” Ratthakarn Jutasen, Managing Director, Ford Thailand, further commented, “Our ongoing apprenticeship program is a vital investment in developing these experts, particularly at our service centers where they work directly on customers’ vehicles. By preparing individuals for real-world jobs, we continually raise the bar for service excellence across Thailand – a goal we have consistently strived for."