Combining Education and Work; Experiences in Asia and Oceania: Thailand.

Overview & Synopsis

Reflected in priorities of secondary vocational training, agricultural education, and nonformal short courses, Thailand's education policy of "productive work experience" helps solve the problems of those who have an incomplete general education, have negative work attitudes and habits, are untrained dropouts, or are vocationally trained but unemployable. New curricula in the formal educational system provide prevocational training at all levels because of high dropout rates. Vocational secondary schools train students in specific skills for immediate employment. However, a major problem is that national policy is not reflected in the schools, where academic education is valued. The target group for nonformal education is the out-of-school population aged 15-25, who may participate in three main types of activities: rudimentary education, short course vocational training, and information services. Among the many programs available are the government-run interest group program, providing training on any subject on request to any group of 15 or more, and the 45 Mobile Trade Training Schools, providing basic skills required for employment to adults and out-of-school youth in provincial areas. Each mobile school remains in borrowed quarters in one location from one to three years, then moves on to another area. (SB)