PREPAREDNESS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TO SUPPORT THAI LABOR DEVELOPMENT IN EASTERN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR ZONE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) policies and strategic plans used in the administration of producing and developing Thai labor, 2) the availability of vocational education institutions to support the development, and 3) to propose guidelines for developing the readiness of vocational institutions in the Eastern Economic Corridor Zone. This study is a qualitative research that used structured interview with a consistency index of more than 0.05. Data was collected by in-depth interviews with selected key informants through purposive sampling, which were divided into two groups: 11 executives and 22 executors. To form conclusive data, it was analyzed by content analysis.

            The results of the study found that the terms of policies, plans, projects, and policies of production and development of vocational workforce were appropriate. In terms of readiness, it was found that there was readiness in one aspect, structure. Little readiness is found in terms of materials, equipment and tools, whereas, there is no readiness in terms of personnel, budgets, location and training courses on human resource development and vocational labor development. 16 areas of development Proposal are made namely, for materials and equipment, personnel, language, curriculum, research, database, regulations, participation, budgets, standard certification, location, innovation and technology, learning and teaching activities, environment, knowledge promotion, understanding, and project developments.