WHA Group Offers Future Job Security to Youth Through Vocational Education Grants

The Eastern Economic Community (EEC), covering the strategic provinces of Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, continues to attract more private investment.  With infrastructure as one of the pillars of development, the government is currently developing major projects, such as motorways and double-track railway systems, as well as the expansion of U-Tapao airport and seaport facilities.

The challenge that must be addressed today is the need for well-trained skilled workers. Thanks to the cooperation between the educational sector and private companies, the Dual Vocational Education (DVE) initiative was created by the Office of Vocational Education, allowing students to get on-the-job training along with theoretical education.

Grants for the smart and skilled

Vocational college and university graduates are highly in demand. However, due to financial challenges, many promising students are not able to finish their courses. In view of this, WHA Group, in cooperation with Ban Khai Technical College in Rayong, has been supporting the DVE Program for the last 9 years, by giving grants to smart, disadvantaged undergraduates.  In addition, WHA helps them find on-the-job training opportunities among customers in its industrial estates. 

Mr. David Nardone, Group Executive Industrial and International, WHA Industrial Development PLC, sees this as a way of empowering young people to face the future confidently.  “Seeing the potential of the youth in the residential communities around the EEC is truly inspiring. WHA is proud to provide full scholarships plus allowances to disadvantaged students who are fully motivated and have the right aptitude.  We are pleased to give them a head start in their professional life, so they can reach their full potential.”

Bankhai Technical College in Rayong is the only educational establishment qualified for the DVE Program.  Its Director, Mr. Prateep Chulalert expressed his gratitude to WHA for supporting the program year after year.  “This is beneficial for the students, the companies, the EEC, and of course, members of the local communities. Training and orienting the students right in the workplace can bring them more job opportunities.  The companies are able to teach and strengthen specific skills that they need, and in many cases, offer full employment upon graduation.  Students who complete the DVE Program become role models for the younger students, because they see that there are high-paying jobs out there for them.“

Setting a good example in the community

DVE participants are jointly selected by the college and the company according to the individual’s abilities and motivation to learn.  Mr. Prasith Ramchatu, an employee of NT Seimitsu (Thailand), relates how he landed his job with the Japanese company.  “Coming from a poor family, I could only dream of working with a foreign company. I consider myself very fortunate to have qualified for the WHA grant” recounts Prasith.  “Without the scholarship, I would never have been able to finish my studies or learn from mentors and colleagues who taught and trained me patiently for 11 months.  As soon as I graduated, I became a permanent employee and was finally able to help my family.  In addition, the work experience made me realize the importance of knowing how to communicate in a foreign language if you want to work with an international company and advance in your career.

The DVE Program is a win-win situation for all parties. WHA Group is proud to support this excellent initiative that helps provide qualified, skilled workers, especially for sectors such as next-generation automobiles, smart electronics, agriculture and biotechnology, robotics and the other S-curve industries, that the EEC is welcoming under the Thailand 4.0 scheme.