The main goal of the partnership is to support economic growth and developing infrastructure in Thailand through the provision of career-focused qualifications while strengthening the country’s collaboration with the UK.

“We offer learners… the knowledge needed to succeed nationally, regionally [and] globally”

It is also an opportunity for Pearson to export educational products and services to Thailand, the second largest economy in South East Asia.

The program will launch with a pilot in several further education colleges with the aspiration to expand coverage across the country over time.

The pilots will reflect the top 10 industry sectors as outlined in the EEC plan – including automotive, aerospace, digital industry, healthcare and robotics – in a bid to develop the three eastern provinces of Thailand into an ASEAN economic zone.

EEC general secretary Kanit Sangsubhan said the MoU with Pearson marks the first step towards developing standards for vocational courses to support Thailand 4.0 and that it represents a mutual intention to equip students with the skills required by 10 targeted industries.

President of Pearson UK and Core, Rod Bristow, added that Pearson is honoured to play a role in helping to equip Thailand with the world-class knowledge and skills to boost economic growth.

“Pearson supports strengthening bilateral UK-Thai relationships and is committed to supporting learners, educators and employers to foster national prosperity…and promote career-focused BTEC programs as a pathway to a better life,” he said.

The MoU was signed at Pearson Headquarters in London.

“Through the BTEC qualification we offer learners a clear route to employment either directly or via higher education, supporting social mobility, and the knowledge needed to succeed nationally, regionally [and] globally,” Bristow added.