MoU signed for industrial skills academy in Rayong 

The four parties vowed to work together to facilitate the development of human resources and to enhance labour skills in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Covering a five-year period, the MoU aims to strengthen the cooperation between the Ministry of Labour and private companies and institutions. 
The Industrial Skills Cooperation Academy will propose vocational courses and practical training programmes to answer the specific needs of the growing workforce in various industries. It is hoped this will enhance the development of the EEC and the “Industry 4.0” concept under the government’s “Thailand 4.0” policy.
“WHA Group will encourage stakeholders and clients in our Hemaraj industrial estates to offer training programmes to workers in companies located within [the estates],” said Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, WHA Corporation Group chief executive officer. “Our common target is to provide 100,000 fully trained skilled workers under this programme within the next 12 months.”
ML Puntrik Smiti, permanent secretary of the Labour Ministry, said this was an excellent initiative in keeping with the ministry’s Skill Development Promotion Act that aims to ensure that Thailand stays competitive. 
“We intend to create a competency development model and career development plan, and provide a test system to ensure high skill standards. This is necessary to win the trust of investors,” Puntrik said.
Dr Sakarindr Bhumiratana, president of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, emphasised the importance of STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) training. He said this cooperation would deepen workplace-based training at all levels. 
“We look forward to helping expand the pool of skilled workers in the Eastern Seaboard,” he said.
Thai-German Institute president Somwang Boonrakcharoen explained that a goal was to promote skills enhancement programmes and courses to develop a world-class workforce. 
The academy’s lecturers, Somwang said, will teach strategic approaches to create and maintain a comparative advantage in the region.
 Jareeporn said: “This Industrial Skills Cooperation Academy is a perfect illustration of what government agencies, academic institutions and private companies can do when they work together for the benefit of our country.”