SCENARIO OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTE CENTRAL REGION DURING THE NEXT DECADE (A.D. 2026 - 2035)

Abstract

This article aims to present a future vision for vocational education institutions in the central region of Thailand in the next decade. The research was conducted using a forensic research methodology with the EDFR technique. The key informants were 21 experts, including policy-level administrators, institutional administrators, industry experts, and academics. The research methodology consisted of five steps: 1) Content and theoretical framework study; 2) Field study; 3) Research instruments; 4) Data collection; and 5) Data analysis. The research instruments included semi-structured interviews and a 5-level Likert scale questionnaire with a validity of 0.80 or higher. Statistical analysis to determine consensus included the median and interquartile range. The findings were then confirmed by nine experts. The research results outline the future vision for vocational education institutions in the central region of Thailand in the next decade. The study (2026-2035) comprises six main components: 1) Educational policy, 2) Structure and management, 3) Curriculum administration and teaching, 4) Research and academic services, 5) Faculty, and 6) Graduates. The research indicates that the direction of vocational education institutions in the central region in the next decade (2026 - 2035) focuses on collaboration with the private sector, restructuring to resemble state universities, adapting the role of faculty and promoting industry experience, developing flexible and competency-based curricula, utilizing digital technology and AI in management and teaching, and producing graduates with well-rounded competencies and skills (both hard and soft skills) who can immediately enter the workforce to effectively meet the demands of the labor market and the changes of the future world.