The Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) plans to adjust its occupational standards for 600 occupations in 72 clusters to fall in line with the Asean Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) which aims to facilitate movement of skilled labour and professionals across the region.
TPQI vice director Noppadol Piyatrapoom yesterday said the institute is adjusting its occupational standards for 600 occupations, which are now divided into seven levels of competence, into eight levels of competence -- the standard used by AQRF -- by the first quarter of next year.
He said the change will help facilitate the movement of skilled labour in the region both for Thai workers who want to work overseas and foreign workers who want to work in the kingdom as their levels of competence will now be directly comparable.
"New occupational standards will raise both Thai and foreign investors' confidence because workers who receive professional qualification certificates are guaranteed to have the same necessary skills required by all countries in the region," Mr Noppadol said.
Mr Noppadol said the TPQI's new occupational standards will be developed together with entrepreneurs and relevant government agencies. They will be revised and improved every three years to ensure they remain up to date.
"The cabinet has approved our adjustment plan and now all related parties are working on the new occupational standards. We expect them to be completed by the first quarter of 2018," he said.
According to the TPQI, only 12 million, or one-third of the country's workforce of 36 million, possess educational qualifications higher than vocational certificate level.
Mr Noppadol said it would be difficult for these remaining 24 million workers to move to work outside the country. However, with the TPQI's certificates of professional competence, which are equivalent to international standards, Thai workers will become more competitive in the region.
"Those who do not have degrees in their field often acquire expertise and skills that from on-the-job learning and practice, so the TPQI is open for them to test their competencies. After taking a test with our centres they will receive professional qualification certificates that accredit knowledge, skills and abilities in accordance with occupational standards. Consequently, they can advance their careers with a professional qualification," he said.
He said Thailand has the potential to export its skilled labour to neighbouring countries in the fields of logistics, restaurant operations, beauty businesses and spa services.
"Conversely, Thailand may need to import foreign workers in some fields in the future as the country's workforce is expected to shrink dramatically due to a falling birth rate and an ageing population," he said.
Mr Noppadol said that professional certification will benefit both Thai and foreign labour as they can use the certificates to prove their ability.
The TPQI now has 160 test and certification centres nationwide for employees who want to acquire professional qualifications. It also subsidies all the cost of testing for some low-paying jobs.
"The cost for testing and obtaining our certificates can vary from occupation to occupation, ranging from free of charge to 1,500 baht. The process will be finished in less than two days," he said.