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From the interviews we made, it seems there has been in Thailand a misconception of what cooperative
(or dual) education is. This kind of education should induce a partnership right from the beginning, e.g. right from
the designing of curriculum. However, companies have been left aside. Improvements need to be done by
involving efficiently companies in the design and the enhancement of the curriculum. It also raises the question of
the role of universities and companies in co-op education. It appears from the interviews that strengthening basic
knowledge should be the main focus of universities. Human skills should be screened at the entrance of the
programme and then improved both at university and within company. Concerning specific knowledge, if they are
directly job-related and specific to a particular company, they can only be acquired on the field. If they are not
specific, they refer to basic knowledge, to be buttressed in universities. If the basis is not strong, the construction
can only but fail. From the interviews we made, the quality of education delivered by universities is very
questionable.
Another key issue is to train the trainers, meaning to prepare university supervisors for their tasks and
duties. It is hard for them to deal with an environment they are not familiar with. This situation puts corporate and
university cultures face to face and it is essential to build bridges between them to allow understanding and
efficiency. Taking all these elements into accounts, it looks like co-op education in Thailand still has a long way to
go to train efficiently future workers. However, Thailand needs to react quickly if it does not want to be overtaken
by its competitors in terms of foreign markets and investors (Baron-Gutty to be published). Without strong human
resources, Thailand will not be able to stand firm on the international arena with countries such as China, and now
Vietnam fiercely in competition in the same competitive niches as Thailand.
Acknowledgement
We successfully finish the article from the kindness of Assoc.Prof. Phasina Tangchuang who supported
CELS research center, facilities for our research project and some ideas for criticized its.
References
Baron-Gutty, A. (to be published). The Textile and Garment Industry in Thailand: the Technology and Education
Upgrading Challenge
. Sustainability of Thailand's Competitiveness: the Policy Challenges.
P.
Intarakumnerd and Y. Lecler. Singapore, Bangkok, ISEAS/IRASEC.
Brimble, P. and R. F. Doner (2007). "University-Industry Linkages and Economic Development: The Case of
Thailand."
World Development.
35, 1021-1036.
Johngjakphan, G. (2003).
Autonomous university: Positive or Negative points through higher education in
Thailand.
Bangkok, Dok yaa Group Publishing.
