BMW Group Thailand – led by Mr. Stefan Teuchert, President (3rd left), and Khun Jatupon Puttaviboon, General Manager, Dealer Development (2nd left), together with Don Bosco Technological College – led by Reverend Father Manachai Tharachai, SDB, Rector (4th left), and Reverend Father Monthon Rojjanasutadkul, SDB, Director (5th left), signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the “BMW Service Apprentice Program”. The partnership ceremony was also joined by Mr. Karl-Heinrich Adam, Third Secretary Economic and Commercial of Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany (far left), and Mr. Markus Hoffman, GTDEE Project Director, German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (far right).

Bangkok. BMW Group Thailand – led by Mr. Stefan Teuchert, President – and Don Bosco Technological College – led by Reverend Father Manachai Tharachai, Rector – recently announced their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the “BMW Service Apprentice Program”. The partnership will help foster the potential of vocational students in achieving automotive skills and knowledge of an international standard. The MoU was signed by the representatives from both organizations, and witnessed by the school faculty and students at Don Bosco Technological College.

Mr. Stefan Teuchert, President, BMW Group Thailand, said, “The BMW Service Apprentice Program is BMW Group Thailand’s pride, as we are taking part in the development of career opportunities and the improvement of educational potential for Thai vocational students. We are delighted to continue our joint promotion of Dual Vocational Education with Don Bosco Technological College. This collaboration will not only provide practical automotive skills for students, but will also allow students to thrive as professional technicians. We are also aiming to strengthen the growth of the domestic automotive industry as well as establishing Thailand as ASEAN‘s leading automotive hub.”

BMW Group Thailand initiated the BMW Service Apprentice Program in 2012 in collaboration with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and BMW authorized dealers. Participating students have been provided with technical knowledge and skills through theoretical and on-the-job training at the BMW Training Center supported by BMW certified technicians from BMW authorized dealers. The partnership strives to support the development of Thai vocational education as well as to create a highly skilled and competent workforce, and ultimately drive Thailand towards becoming a leading global automotive hub.

Reverend Father Manachai Tharachai, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Technological College said, “Don Bosco Technological College is very pleased that BMW Group Thailand recognizes the importance of improving educational potential for Thai youths. The automotive training at BMW Training Center, especially on-the-job training by professional technicians from a leader in the automotive industry, combined with theoretical knowledge, will encourage the students to learn to their fullest potential. Moreover, it will create countless career opportunities and provide valuable experiences for the students. We are grateful that BMW Group Thailand, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce are participating in the sustainable development of Thai vocational education.”

The partnership also embarks on elevating Thai vocational education to match the German higher education standard. The participating students should qualify for the program’s criteria and must pass the BMW Service Apprentice Program level test. This year, 14 students from high vocational certificate class have been taking part in the program and the college plan to get 25 students to join next year.

In addition to gaining technical knowledge and skills training, students are also granted full scholarship from BMW Group Thailand and will be employed by BMW authorized dealer after probation period while joining the program.

The BMW Service Apprentice Program is part of the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) program, a joint effort between the two nations. Developed in Germany, the program has achieved outstanding success and has been adopted by many countries across the globe including Thailand. BMW Group Thailand is committed in giving back to society through the sustainable support of educational development, which is in line with a vision for sustainability to which the company aspires.