Today (29 May 2017) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Permanent Secretary of Labour M.L. Puntrik Smiti chaired the signing of the MOU for the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy (MARA), between the Department of Skills Development’s Director-General Mr. Teerapol Koonmuang and Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries Mr. Thavorn Chalatthien. She said that the initiative was a result of the Cabinet’s approval for development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in 4 provinces including Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri and Rayong, supporting the new engine of growth in 10 industries. The initiative focuses on robotic innovations, mechanics, artificial intelligence and automation in playing a larger role in the business and industrial sector, therefore the Department of Skills Development responsible for workforce development, partnered with the Federation of Thai Industries for the establishment of a Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy (MARA) in 4 provincial skills development centers. This includes the Chachoengsao Skills Development Center, the Samut Prakan Skills Development Center 1, the Chon Buri Skills Development Center 3 and the Rayong Skills Development Center 17.
Director-General Mr. Teerapol Koonmuang further explained that the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy (MARA) has the objective of developing the workforce in major industries such as electronics, automobile parts, food, plastics and molds, in order to possess the standard skills and ability to keep up with changing technology, simultaneously supporting government policy on economic growth. The plan will be separated into 3 phases; the first phase is the first to third year which focuses on adding working skills such as maintenance and programming to support businesses/factories in need of changing to automated technology and robotics. This will focus on vocational training to develop the new workforce prior to entering the workforce. The second phase is the third to fifth year looks at planning, designing and developing manufacturing processes using automation and robotics, whereas the third phase (fifth to tenth year) focuses on the robotics industry, through workforce development in implementing robotics and automation for major industries. This phase will look at advancing the skills of the current workforce to support new technology and instill confidence in both local and international investors, and also to become coaches in sharing information and knowledge for the next generation of workers.
Director-General Mr. Teerapol Koonmuang further explained that the Manufacturing Automation and Robotics Academy (MARA) has the objective of developing the workforce in major industries such as electronics, automobile parts, food, plastics and molds, in order to possess the standard skills and ability to keep up with changing technology, simultaneously supporting government policy on economic growth. The plan will be separated into 3 phases; the first phase is the first to third year which focuses on adding working skills such as maintenance and programming to support businesses/factories in need of changing to automated technology and robotics. This will focus on vocational training to develop the new workforce prior to entering the workforce. The second phase is the third to fifth year looks at planning, designing and developing manufacturing processes using automation and robotics, whereas the third phase (fifth to tenth year) focuses on the robotics industry, through workforce development in implementing robotics and automation for major industries. This phase will look at advancing the skills of the current workforce to support new technology and instill confidence in both local and international investors, and also to become coaches in sharing information and knowledge for the next generation of workers.
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Bureau of Public Relations /
Pariyaron Phromsakha Na Sakonnakhon – News
Sompob Silbut – Photos/
29 May 2017
