What's Happening?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is collaborating with Thailand to incorporate digital and green construction skills into the nation's training systems. This initiative, part of the 'Advancing Digital and Green Skills for Youth in ASEAN' project,
aims to address skills gaps in Thailand's construction sector. The Department of Skill Development (DSD) under Thailand’s Ministry of Labour has developed new courses on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Green Skills for Construction, utilizing standards and training materials from the ILO regional project. These courses are expected to be available from January 2027 across all 77 DSD skills development institutes. Additionally, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) has integrated 42 hours of green skills modules into construction curricula at certificate and diploma levels and developed a standalone BIM upskilling course. The project is funded by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labour through the ILO-Korea Partnership Programme and also supports similar development in the Philippines.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for Thailand's construction sector as it navigates digital transformation and the increasing demand for environmentally sustainable building practices. By integrating BIM and green construction skills into national training systems, Thailand is proactively preparing its workforce for future industry needs. This move will enhance the employability of vocational students, unemployed youth, and existing workers through upskilling and reskilling. The institutionalization of these training programs ensures long-term impact and national ownership, extending beyond the project's duration. For the broader ASEAN region, this project serves as a model for translating skills development work into national institutional systems, aligning with global labor-market transitions driven by technology and climate-related sustainability requirements. It also highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing regional skills gaps and promoting sustainable development.
What's Next?
The immediate next step identified by the ILO is to strengthen delivery capacity for these new training programs. This will involve organizing a five-day, 40-hour Training of Trainers program on Green Skills for Construction. This program will target 25 teachers and trainers from DSD and OVEC, as well as in-company trainers from the construction industry. The goal is to ensure that the national institutions have the necessary expertise to effectively deliver the new curricula. Following management approval, the DSD courses are anticipated to be widely available from January 2027. The project's activities in both Thailand and the Philippines are scheduled to conclude by December 31, 2026, with the institutionalization efforts expected to sustain the results beyond this period.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of digital and green skills into national vocational training systems signifies a broader shift towards a 'just transition' in the construction sector. This approach not only addresses immediate skill shortages but also prepares the workforce for the ethical and environmental responsibilities associated with sustainable development. The emphasis on national ownership and institutionalization reflects a strategic move to ensure that these advancements are deeply embedded within the country's educational and industrial fabric, rather than being temporary project-based interventions. This model could influence other sectors and countries in ASEAN, fostering a regional ecosystem where workforce development is intrinsically linked to technological innovation and environmental stewardship. The collaboration between government, employers, workers, and international organizations underscores the complex, multi-stakeholder effort required to achieve such transformative changes.
