Teach For Thailand Partnered with Ford, Empowering Children for the Future
In an era of technological advancements, education must equip children and youth with the essential skills to thrive in a constantly changing job market. With this in mind, Teach For Thailand launched the “Future Ready” initiative, inviting students and educators to experience real-world working environments and gain insights into practical and critical skills for future careers.
Ford Motor Company (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is a key supporter of Teach For Thailand, contributing through initiative “Ford Philanthropy,” which supports education via bilateral partnership scholarships through Yuvabhaddhana Foundation, and donations to Teach For Thailand.
As part of Future Ready initiative, Ford was the first to welcome students and teachers to their Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) factories, where Ford Ranger pick-up trucks and Ford Ranger Raptor models are produced for both domestic sales and export to over 100 countries. Participants of the Future Ready initiative toured the production line and engaged with company representatives, enhancing their job-market-aligned education.
Thammasak Apibanworrakul, Human Resource Manager at Ford Thailand Manufacturing, commented on the collaboration: “Providing knowledge to teachers as a foundation for creating engaging and relevant skill-building classrooms is our priority. We believe that the most important skills for the future are the ability to research, effective use of technology, and strong communication skills.”
Many teachers who participated agreed that the visit gave them a clearer understanding of the job market and the skills students need.
“We saw how they effectively manage people working with technology. We can build on this to improve students’ capabilities in line with job market demands,” shared one participant. “Moving forward, teachers will know what to prepare and how to guide our students.”
“It’s clear that adaptability is key. Those who succeed aren’t necessarily the best, but the most adaptable.”
Watchara Dachoponchai, Teach For Thailand’s Data Manager, added, “From their reflections, it’s clear that education cannot remain teacher-centric. Students need hands-on experiences.”
“In addition to the benefits gained by teachers, Ford’s staff were also inspired, as they realized the impact of their work and their ability to share knowledge.”
“The HR team involved in planning also saw the potential of their future employees, as the students visiting the factory could one day be candidates for jobs there. Those with a strong educational background will undoubtedly make great employees.”
“We hope that Future Ready will prepare Thai children for the future. We also believe that other organizations can join this vision: if schools and private sectors work together, it will be key to improving the future of Thai education.”
Take your part in enhancing equitable education by supporting us today, at www.teachforthailand.org.
