Pearson to Launch Vocational Qualifications in Thailand

Agreement signed with the Eastern Economic Corridor to provide career-focussed BTECs to Thai colleges and learners.

Pearson, the digital education company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the Thai economic development body, to develop and implement BTEC-based career-focused programmes for learners within the EEC provinces in Thailand.

The partnership between Pearson and the EEC has the main goal of helping support economic growth and developing infrastructure in Thailand through the provision of quality, career-focussed qualifications. The partnership also aims to help strengthen collaboration between the UK and Thailand.

The programme will launch with a pilot in several further education colleges in Thailand, with the aspiration to expand coverage across the country over time. The pilot courses being launched will reflect the top ten industry sectors as outlined in the Eastern Economic Corridor plan - including qualifications in automotive, aerospace, digital industry, healthcare and robotics. The EEC plan is an ambitious strategy which aims to develop the three eastern provinces of Thailand into an ASEAN economic zone.

EEC General Secretary, Mr Kanit Sangsubhan, said: “The MoU with Pearson marks the first step of our cooperation to develop standards for vocational courses to support Thailand 4.0. The MOU represents our mutual intention to equip students with the skills required by the 10 targeted industries.”

President UK and Core, Rod Bristow said: “Pearson is honoured to play a role in supporting the Thai people by providing high quality career-focused BTEC programmes to help equip Thailand with the world class knowledge and skills to boost economic growth.

“Pearson supports strengthening bilateral UK-Thai relationships and is committed to support learners, educators and employers to foster national prosperity. Pearson is working very closely with governments, multilateral organisations and business partners around the world to promote career-focused BTEC programmes as a pathway to a better life.”

The MoU, a partnership between EEC General Secretariat and Pearson, was signed at Pearson Headquarters in London. The signing ceremony is the beginning of the EEC Trade Show in the UK, which is aimed at deepening collaboration between the two countries and solidifying bilateral relationships at government and industry level.

Thailand is the second largest economy in South East Asia and bilateral trade with the UK increased by 2.8% to £5.6 billion between 2015 to 2016. Currently the majority of UK exports are in machinery, vehicles and mechanical appliances. Pearson sees the opportunity to export educational products and services to this market.

Bristow added: “Through the BTEC qualification we offer learners a clear route to employment either directly or via higher education, supporting social mobility, and the knowledge needed to succeed nationally, regionally globally.”