(MissionNewswire) Mercedes-Benz has signed a new partnership agreement with Don Bosco Banpong Technological College as part of the company’s efforts to equip vocational students in Thailand with the same level of expertise as technicians trained in Germany, according to an article on Carrus Home. The Don Bosco Technical College is now offering a Mercedes AMT Dual Training Program.

According to the article, the program offers an opportunity for vocational students with an interest in automotive mechatronics to be a part of the Mercedes-Benz family by undergoing the skills training that certifies quality technicians in the automotive industry. Don Bosco Banpong Technological College is the fourth to join this program under the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) initiative. The Samutprakan Technical College, the Eastern College of Technology and the Don Bosco Technological College are also offering this training.

During the signing of the partnership agreement, representatives from Mercedes-Benz awarded Level B vocational certificates in automotive mechatronics to 30 graduates of the program in training centers in Thailand. These graduates are the second group of Thai vocational students awarded certificates issued by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) in Germany. All of the graduates have already been recruited by 12 Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers, according to the Carrus Home article.

“Salesian missionaries know the local economy and develop strategic partnerships to help educate poor youth in high-demand employment sectors,” says Father Mark Hyde, executive director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Salesian programs aim to provide youth with the technical education needed to find and retain long-term employment in order to help them break the cycle of poverty and contribute back to their families and communities.”

Thailand has shown considerable economic growth over the last 20 years, reducing its poverty rate from 21 percent in 2000 to 10.9 percent today, according to the World Bank. Although the country has made strides in reducing poverty, improving nutrition and meeting the basic needs of its residents, inequality is still pervasive.

Salesian programs across Thailand focus on education and workforce development in partnership with social development services that work to meet the basic needs of youth and their families living in poverty. Nearly 1,000 students attend each of the Salesian Professional Training Centers in Thailand. These centers mostly focus on students who have performed poorly in more traditional schools or have learning challenges. Those who graduate from the Salesian training courses are typically able to find immediate employment because the programs taught are tailored to meet local demand.

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Sources:

Destination Thailand News

World Bank – Thailand