GTDEE INSIGHT

Pre-selection of Robert-Bosch Automotive Apprenticeship Programme, batch 2022

On 29 March 2022, the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) team organised an aptitude test for Robert Bosch Apprenticeship Programme batch 2022 at Thai-Austrian Technical College. It was implemented both onsite by GTDEE with Dr. Krishda Srichanpiyom, KMUTNB expert, who also held the test online. As a result, zero paper documents were issued for the GTDEE aptitude test.

PAL Final Examination Part 2 for BMW Service Apprentice Programme, batch 2020

The GTDEE team organised the PAL Final Examination Part 2 (practical and theoretical) in Automotive Mechatronics for BMW Service apprentices programme batch 2020 from 26 to 29 April 2022. The examination was held at the BMW Group (Thailand) Training Centre, Pathum Thani.

The Examination Committee comprised experts from the College of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, the industrial sector and GTCC. The PAL Final Examination is based on the principle of German dual vocational education and training abroad, while the independent examiners – who are experts in this field – comprise representatives of the industrial sector, academic institutions and GTCC/AHK Thailand.

Evaluation mechatronics project-based learning at E.Tech

The GTDEE team evaluated project-based learning by mechatronics students at E.Tech on 29 April 2022. A total of 18 students in batch 2 produced pick-and-place devices and set up an automation control system between two groups, prepared a manual, and planning for maintenance and cost calculation in the English language. These are new steps to develop the young generation in the vocational programme in Thailand by local dual vocational education and training in line with the German model (Certification level B)

Interview with the Director of Mae Sariang Industrial and Community Education College

On 17 May 2022, the Director of Mae Sariang Industrial and Community Education College, Mr. Sriyon Sarikanon announced they were the first vocational college to make available 100 books on mechatronics in the library. “We are very impressed to be able to have the mechatronics text books in our vocational college. We believe the teachers will find them very useful in developing teaching plans, and in implementing teaching methods to increase the knowledge of our students. We are most grateful to GTDEE Programme and the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce”.

Meeting with OVEC and EEC management on the Mechatronics Technician Development Programme

On 10 May 2022, the GTDEE team joined a meeting with the Deputy Secretary-General of OVEC and the EEC management team on sharing knowledge for mechatronics development at the German standard and the translation of the mechatronics book into the Thai language (translation by Fackhunde Mechatronik, version 6, EUROPA-Lehrmittel). KMUTNB experts Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watcharin Phoengen and Asst. Prof. Chanin Joochim shared the contents of the mechatronics book with the meeting. The meeting also included participants from the EEC Management Team, OVEC team and representatives of vocational colleges such as the Thai-Austrian Technical College, Minburi Technical College and Samut Sakhon Technical College.

Certificate presentation for BMW Service Apprentice Programme, batch 2018 at the BMW Training Center

On 18 May 2022 the GTDEE team joined the handover of DIHK AHK Certificates to BMW apprentices batch 2018 at BMW Group (Thailand) Training Center, Pathum Thani. The photo shows the graduating E.Tech apprentices who achieved a Level A certificate for “German dual vocational education and training abroad” from the AHK-IHK-DIHK network under the GTDEE programme.

PAL final examination Part 2 for Mercedes-Apprenticeship Programme batch 2020

The GTDEE team organised the PAL Final Examination Part 2 (theoretical and practical) in Automotive Mechatronics for Mercedes- Benz apprenticeship programme batch 2020 from 23 to 25 May 2022. The examination was held at the Mercedes-Benz Competence Center, Bangna-Trad km 19. The PAL Final Examination is based on the principle of German dual vocational education and training abroad, while the independent examiners comprised representatives from the industrial sector, academic institutions and GTCC/AHK Thailand.

Online meeting on the mechatronics book introduction to education institutes

On 27 May 2022, the GTDEE team organised and online meeting for the introduction of the mechatronics book to the Faculty of Engineering at three universities on the Mechatronics Engineering Programme and five vocational colleges on the Mechatronics Technician Development Programme. The meeting invited Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watcharin Phoengen, Mechatronics Expert, from THE Faculty of Technical Education, KMUTNB to share knowledge about the content in the mechatronics book online with all the participants.

Meeting with Dusitthaini College on co-operation in working with GTDEE

The GTDEE team together with Mr. Axel Stadler of New Hospitality Horizons were welcomed by Dusit Thani College on 1 June 2022, to discuss potential collaboration regarding the current challenges faced by the German hospitality and tourism industry. The aim of the collaboration is to develop an education and training programme to facilitate the supply of skilled hospitality professionals from Thailand in order to serve the huge demand faced by operators of hotels and restaurants across Germany. Supported by the German Hotels Association, the programme will provide trainees with the specialized technical skills needed to meet German standards, satisfy the expectations of German guests and create the cultural and language skills to be able to live comfortably and work productively with recognized hotel chains across Germany.

Meeting with MadLab on co-operation with the GTDEE programme

On 1 June 2022, the GTDEE team met with the General Manager of Madlab Motorwerk Limited and the Head of the Dual Vocational Education and Training Department of Don Bosco Technological College Bangkok regarding apprentice development in automotive mechatronics (body and paint work) according to German standards. The meeting was held at Madlab Motorwerk Limited. The programme, in collaboration with GTDEE, is expected to start in 2023.

Interview with the Chairman of the Board of Examiners in Automotive Mechatronics

Most countries closed their educational institutions as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. According to Associate Prof. Dr. Chedthawut Poompipatpong, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation Promotion at the College of Industrial Technology, KMUTNB, “the closures could have a significant impact on students' education and future opportunities. This crisis, on the other hand, has forced everyone to re-evaluate their way of life. Businesses and activities that were not necessary have been interrupted. The advancement of health care and numerous technologies is speeding up”.

He stressed that science and technology education must adapt to the changing situation. “The major challenge is to include learning in every step of the educational process rather than relying entirely on teaching and exams as in the past. Based on my experience working with GTCC, I am confident that students gain a great deal of skills and knowledge throughout the programme, particularly during the PAL Final Examination Part 1 and Part 2 process”.

Mechatronics examination preparation at TGI.

On 7 June 2022, the GTDEE team met with Mr. Phoemsak Suksiri, Electrical and Control Manager of German-Thai Institute. The meeting discussed the GTDEE Mechatronics Final Examination preparation for 16 apprentices in co-operation with GTDEE programme batch 2019-2020. The examination will be held in August 2022.