GTDEE INSIGHT

Pre-selection for mechatronics batch 2025

During 19-26 February 2025, a pre-selection by aptitude test was conducted for the Robert Bosch students batch 2025 (Hemraj), and the Pathumthani Brewery Mechatronics Apprentice Programme batch 2025 at the Thai-Austrian Technical College, Eastern Technological College (E.Tech) and Don Bosco Technological College. The examination consisted of a theoretical part in basic mathematics for technicians, system thinking, and automation control system. The examiners included experts from the GTCC and the private sector in the field of mechatronics engineering.

Siam Kempinski mechatronics apprentice programme

On 25 February 2025, the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok’s Director of Human Resources organised a meeting on the DVET of mechatronics technicians in the German standard. This meeting focused on collaborative activities to develop young Thai students as mechatronics technicians in dual systems. The Director of Engineering, and Training Manager of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok also attended the meeting, together with the GTDEE Senior Manager and the Head of DVET of Don Bosco Technological College, Bangkok.

Roundtable on vocational education and training at German Embassy Bangkok

On 29 April 2025, GTDEE Senior Manager Dr.Kamonsak Suradom was invited by the German Embassy Bangkok to share his perspectives and experiences in implementing dual vocational education and training (DVET) in Thailand. He also discussed the challenges, cooperation in DVET, and how to adjust the education and training to meet the market demand.

GTCC final examination part 2 in automotive mechatronics

On 30 April 2025, the GTDEE/GTCC organised the GTCC final examination part 2 in automotive mechatronics (theoretical) for the BMW Service Apprentice Programme batch 2023 at the BMW Training Center, Pathumthani. The GTCC final examination is based on the principle of German DVET abroad, knowledge assessment for maintenance and car technology and diagnostics, as well as economics and social studies.

GTCC final examination part 2 in automotive mechatronics

On 30 April 2025, the GTDEE/GTCC organised the final examination part 2 in automotive mechatronics (theoretical) for the Mercedes-Benz Thailand Apprenticeship Programme batch 2023 at the Mercedes-Benz Training Centre, Samut Prakan. The examination was based on the principle of German DVET abroad, knowledge assessment for maintenance and car technology and diagnostics, as well as economics and social studies.

Online workshop for Chiangmai Beverage Mechatronics Apprentice Programme

On 9 April 2025, the GTDEE/ GTCC organised an online workshop for the Chiangmai Beverage Mechatronics Apprentice Programme batch 2024 in preparation for the examination part 1 for the basic knowledge of Industry 4.0, which has been launched in 2024 in collaboration with Faculty of Engineering, RMUTL (Tak Campus). It was participated by 6 males and 3 females (33 per cent).

First batch of mechatronics students at Don Bosco received training at the company

19 May2025, marked the first day that students received training at Pathumthani Brewery Co. Ltd. after Don Bosco’s projectbased learning in mechatronics was kicked off in 2020. Three students from the higher education programme (Por-sor-sor) started training at the company as interns for one year, under the supervision of qualified trainers based on the German standard. It is considered one of the successful cases for vocational education and training (VET) in Thailand under the collaboration of the GTDEE/GTCC, the company, and college partners.

Orientation workshop for mechatronics students at E.Tech

On 21 May 2025, an orientation workshop was organised for mechatronics students batch 2025 at E.Tech. Senior Manager Dr. Kamonsak Suradom led the workshop, which focused on the concept of sustainability for VET students, and the roadmap for collaboration between the GTDEE, E.Tech, and trainees at the companies for the next two years. At the workshop, students were provided with the perspectives of technical competence, social competence, human competence, and methodological competence for mechatronics professions in the future. It was also explained to them how to use the mechatronics textbook and implement group activities based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) fundamentals.

In-company trainers meeting

On 21 May 2025, the GTDEE/GTCC organised a workshop for trainers on the standard book for the Automotive Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme at BMW Training Center, Pathumthani. This workshop focused on preparing for the upgrading of the teaching and training plan, integrated with the apprentice development. This is the main task of the GTDEE/GTCC in the field of DVET to organise and support the collaboration of companies and colleges.

Thai students visit the Vocational College of Technology and Media in Germany

Between 19 and 29 May 2025, four students and teachers from E.Tech visited the Vocational College of Technology and Media in Mönchengladbach, Germany. This student exchange programme was based on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between both colleges in 2019 for phase 1, and in 2024 for phase 2. The participating college students from both countries worked together on the collaborated design project, shared ideas, exchanged different cultural perspectives, and developed some very good friendships.

GTDEE organised teachers workshop at Bangkaewfa College

On 29 May 2025, the GTDEE/GTCC organised a workshop on how to improve the scope of content in theoretical linked to practical training. This workshop invited automotive teachers, the head of curriculum, English teachers, the mathematics teacher, and the head of DVET to share ideas. This workshop was a continuation of the teachers workshop at Don Bosco from March 2025, focusing on how to reduce the gap of the high technology of new car models such as connected drive technology. The results were used for improving the methodological teaching in the colleges that follow Thai curriculum and German skeleton curriculum guideline.

GTDEE orientation workshop for BMW Service Apprentice batch 2025

On 30 May 2025, a workshop on the GTDEE introduction programme was held for BMW Service Apprentice Programme batch 2025. At the workshop, the apprentices were provided with information on technical competence, social competence, human competence and methodological competence for automotive mechatronics professions in the future. This workshop assigned group work included how to check the car under system thinking, and the basic of SDGs in their activities of daily life.

Connecting Thai students with the Germans through the exchange programme at BK-TM

Interview with Dr. Jens Keutgen

From 19-30 May 2025, the first teacher and students group from Eastern Technological College (E-Tech) in Thailand participated in the student exchange programme under an MoU with Berufskolleg für Technik und Medien (BK-TM), in Mönchengladbach, Germany. This is a very successful German-Thai collaboration in the area of vocational education and training. Here now, we speak with Dr. Jens Keutgen, a Mathematics and Physics teacher at BK-TM, who is one of the team members responsible for overseeing this exchange programme.

Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Dr. Jens Keutgen. I originally studied physics, but for the past four years I have been teaching mathematics and physics at my current school. I am passionate about working with young people and helping them discover their potential, both in science and beyond.

What do you think about the student exchange programme between Germany and Thailand with respect to the collaboration of students, teachers, and the GTDEE/GTCC?

I find the exchange programme extremely exciting and consider it a wonderful idea. We live in a globalised world, and getting to know other cultures is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons. Such programmes not only help students improve their English skills, but also foster intercultural understanding, empathy, and open-mindedness. These experiences prepare our students to succeed in an international environment.

When you were overseeing the programme in your school, with the students from both countries, what impressed you most about their interactions?

What impressed me most was how quickly the students connected with each other. From the very beginning, they showed genuine interest, supported one another, and engaged deeply with their peers from the partner country. It was inspiring to see how easilyfriendships developed and how naturally they helped each other – sometimes overcoming language barriers just through kindness and cooperation.

I have not yet had the opportunity to experience Thai culture in depth, but I am looking forward to learning more when I visit Thailand. The Thai people I have met so far have all been very open and friendly. I also believe that, in the end, the differences between Thai and German people might be smaller than we often think, especially when we come together in such positive and open-minded settings.

What is your plan when you visit Thailand?

I am very much looking forward to visiting Thailand, and curious to see how daily school life differs from Germany. I also want to experience as much of Thai culture as possible. Of course, I am also excited to try authentic Thai food, and learn about the traditions and everyday life in your beautiful country.

Dr. Jens Keutgen

Berufskolleg für Technik und Medien (BK-TM), https://bk-tm.de

Reflections on the student exchange programme in Germany

Students from E.Tech who visited the Vocational College of Technology and Media in Mönchengladbach, Germany, from 19-29 May 2025, reflect upon their experiences.

MR. KONGPHOP JITTAWONG

“Participation in this programme has fostered a borderless friendship between Thailand and Germany. Throughout the programme, I had a wonderful experience and was warmly welcomed by German friends and professors. I will cherish these moments and sincerely hope that we will meet again wherever we can.”

MISS PATTARAPRAPA PALAMAN

“The exchange programme in Germany gave me a valuable experience, enriching my knowledge of language, culture, and daily life. I met friends from diverse countries and learned different perspectives, which helped develop my thinking, my life skills, and my courage to face new challenges in a sustainable way.”

MR. SAGKARIN MUNG-NGARM

“I am deeply grateful for, and was impressed by, this student exchange programme, which gave me the opportunity to learn about new cultures and build friendships with colleagues and warm-hearted German people. I developed adaptability and life skills for different societies, gaining valuable experiences that will support my learning and growth in the future.”