Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti led a team to visit the Sumipol Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTEC) to monitor the Skill Bridge initiative, highlighting the Learning Factory model with a goal to develop 1,000 personnel within six months to support the modern automotive industry.
On 21 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas led a Board of Investment (BOI) team to visit SIMTEC at Amata City Industrial Estate in Rayong to follow up on the progress of the Skill Bridge initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to systematically link advanced technology investment with workforce skills development.
This visit showcased the innovative Learning Factory model, a simulated factory offering participants hands-on experience with real production processes to rapidly develop personnel for the modern automotive, smart electronics, and semiconductor industries.
Under this project, SIMTEC offers a course titled “Drivers of Factory Transition to Green Industry for the New Generation Leaders,” aiming to develop 1,000 personnel within six months: 200 new graduates to create immediate employment opportunities, and 800 supply chain personnel to upgrade their skills and thus improve operational efficiency for businesses.
"The Skill Bridge project at SIMTEC represents a direct investment in Thai people. Within six months, 200 new graduates will gain skills that secure immediate jobs in modern automotive and smart electronics industries. Meanwhile, 800 supply chain workers will enhance their skills, leading to better compensation and job security. This project is a model demonstrating how Skill Bridge creates employment opportunities, develops talent, and generates income, allowing Thai workers to grow alongside the industry," said Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti.
Mr. Narut Therdsteerasak, Secretary-General of the BOI, revealed that the BOI has approved support for 42 Skill Bridge projects with a total budget exceeding 2 billion baht. These projects aim to upgrade the skills of more than 76,700 Thai workers nationwide, representing the largest investment to prepare Thailand as a future industrial hub.
