Participatory Management Guidelines between Vocational Institutions and Establishments for Developing Vocational Certificate Students under the Uttaradit Provincial Vocational Education Office

Abstract

          This research study aimed to (1) examine the current and desirable conditions of participatory management, and (2) explore participatory management guidelines for collaboration between vocational institutions and enterprises in developing vocational certificate students. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The sample consisted of 75 participants, including 5 directors, 40 supervising teachers, and 30 enterprise representatives. Additionally, 9 experts were involved in the study. The research instruments included questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, the Priority Needs Index (PNI), and content analysis.

           The results showed that (1) the overall current condition was at a high level, while the desirable condition was at the highest level; and (2) participatory management guidelines between vocational institutions and enterprises comprised of five key aspects. First, planning participation involved the collaborative development of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), systematic labor market analysis, and the design of flexible training programs aligned with students’ academic disciplines. Second, implementation participation emphasized co-designed curricula, the integration of digital technologies for monitoring, structured job rotation, and the assurance of workplace safety. Third, decision-making participation entailed joint stakeholder engagement in setting objectives, developing individualized training plans, establishing evaluation criteria, and determining benefits and welfare provisions. Fourth, benefit-sharing participation focused on promoting innovation, offering tax incentives for enterprise partners, and enhancing institutional curricula and professional networks.  Finally, evaluation participation incorporated collaborative assessment through electronic portfolios, application-based tracking systems, and benchmarking against international standards. Collectively, these participatory approaches enhanced students’competencies and ensure their preparedness for evolving labor market demands.