The Education Ministry is drafting a special curriculum that provides high-school students with a chance to study vocational subjects, starting next academic year.
Education Minister Adm Narong Pipatanasai said the programme will be open to high-school students at schools teaching general education. It will offer the students who are interested in vocational education the chance to boost their academic careers.
Adm Narong said students who finish the programme will receive certificates, both in general education and vocational education.
The vocational component could be provided in the summer months.
The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) and the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (Ovec) will design the curriculum. Schools and vocational colleges will work together, he said.
Adm Narong yesterday unveiled the plans at Government House during the launch of the ministry's vocational volunteer programme.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asked Ovec under the ministry to set up vocational volunteer units at 50 district offices in Bangkok to provide the public with free repair services for electrical appliances, motorcycles and cars.
The volunteer programme aims to restore the image of vocational students, who are widely known for their tendency to get into fights. It is also designed to lure more secondary students into studying vocational subjects.
Gen Prayut also suggested the vocational volunteer students come up with a project to receive old or worn-out electrical appliances so they can be fixed and given to the poor. He also asked Ovec to ask big companies for new motors so students can learn how they work. Ovec should send students to undergo vocational training, especially in the motor industry, he said.
Kiettiyot Phuykhamsing, a second-year vocational high-school student from Siam Technology College, said the volunteer programme gives him the chance to combine classroom learning with practical experience.
"I like fixing old and worn-out things. That's why I chose to study vocational education,'' he said.
Wutthichai Choofa, a second-year vocational student from Ratchasittharam Technical College, said he is proud to be part of the programme.
"Not all vocational students get into fights. Many contribute to social services and want to succeed in life,'' he said.