Thailand’s Skill Bridge programme is set to train more than 80,000 workers in specialised fields as the government seeks to build a workforce capable of supporting technology-driven industries.
The national initiative is designed to connect workforce training with the needs of businesses in emerging sectors, including digital technology, artificial intelligence, advanced electronics, electric vehicles and automation.
Under the latest approvals, seven new Skill Bridge projects will receive government support worth about 307 million baht and are expected to provide training for more than 10,000 people.
The new projects bring the total number of Skill Bridge projects receiving support to 42, with a combined target of developing 76,728 skilled workers.
The programme focuses on areas where demand for specialised workers is expected to grow. These include AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, printed circuit board design, smart food technology, electric vehicle and battery technology, robotics, automation and biotechnology.
Other targeted fields include smart electronics, food processing, agriculture and biotechnology, medical technology and defence-related industries.
The Board of Investment said the programme forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness by supporting both businesses and workers as industries adopt new technologies.
The Skill Bridge initiative operates alongside a separate Business Transformation programme that supports companies investing in research and development, automation, digital technology, AI and the transition towards new and green industries.
Together, the two programmes now cover 108 approved projects with government support exceeding 4.8 billion baht.
The government is seeking to ensure that workforce development keeps pace with changes in the economy, particularly as companies expand investment in advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and other technology-intensive industries.
Training providers and participating companies are expected to work together to ensure courses reflect practical industry requirements rather than focusing solely on classroom qualifications.
The programme also forms part of Thailand’s wider effort to promote lifelong learning and reskilling as digitalisation and automation change the nature of work.
By expanding specialised training, the government hopes to give Thai workers access to new employment opportunities while helping companies find the technical skills needed to support investment in emerging industries.
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