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9 RMUTs, Chevron, and IAFSW launch “Green Career” platform to develop STEM skills for future careers, support labor market transitions, and advance SDGs

Nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology, in collaboration with Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. and the International Association for the Future STEM Workforce (IAFSW), have launched the Green Career online learning platform. This initiative aims to equip learners with sustainable career skills by integrating future-ready technical skills, soft skills, and environmental knowledge to address the evolving demands of the labor market and challenges of the modern world. Government agencies, policymakers, curriculum developers, and representatives from Rajamangala Universities of Technology nationwide attended the launch event, held at the press conference room on the first floor 1 of King Mongkut Building, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomwit Chaisakulkiat, Chairman of the Council of Rajamangala University of Technology Presidents, stated, “Thailand’s future is shaped by global volatility, including technological advancements, a demographic shift into an aging society, and environmental challenges. Many traditional jobs are disappearing, making it imperative to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of navigating the evolving labor market. To achieve this, we need modern, flexible, and accessible learning solutions. The Green Career platform serves as a solution, providing students, educational institutions, and professionals with opportunities to reskill, upskill, and develop new skills while fostering lifelong learning.”

The Green Career online learning platform builds upon STEM Career Academies, developed under the Chevron Enjoy Science project, which was implemented by Chevron and its partners for eight years. Ms. Pornsuree Konanta, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., said of how the project lived on, “At Chevron, we believe that human capital is the key driver of the future. That is why we are committed to continuously supporting education, particularly STEM education. Building upon the success of the STEM Career Academies, we have developed the Green Career online self-learning platform to expand access to critical knowledge for high-demand careers of the future. The platform also integrates sustainability-focused and eco-conscious content, such as carbon footprint calculation and sustainable waste management practices. This platform enables school students, university students, and industrial workforce to advance their capabilities by engaging in self-directed learning through digital technology, making knowledge more readily accessible on a wider range of topics, as befits 21st-century education.”

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), nearly all job sectors are undergoing transformation due to climate change in addition to many other factors. As the demand for Green Jobs continues to rise, UNEP defines these roles as positions within agriculture, manufacturing, research and development, and service industries that promote environmentally friendly production methods, resource conservation, and energy optimization. Given the pressing environmental challenges of today, careers related to the circular economy and sustainability offer promising opportunities for the future.

Accordingly, the Green Career platform is designed to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by compiling course content that aligns with international professional standards from organizations such as UNESCO-UNEVOC and leading employers. The platform will be instrumental in developing human capital across three key sustainability-driven industries: green industry, smart agriculture, and sustainable services. During its initial rollout, the program will focus on three essential career pathways: culinary arts, caregiving, and tourism.

Mrs. Suwanee Khamman, President of IAFSW, stated, “IAFSW has developed this platform in collaboration with EduPark Co., Ltd., ensuring that it meets Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while advancing curriculum development oriented to Green Jobs. The curriculum is structured to benefit instructors and learners of all ages. It incorporates key components such as STEM-based problem solving, green vocational curriculum, innovative learning methodologies, live-streamed sessions from instructors, video-based learning, board games, hackathons, standardized assessment, and certification. The course content has been developed in collaboration with employers and subject matter experts from Thailand and other allied countries. In addition, this platform offers learners with a fully comprehensive self-learning experience, allowing them to study anytime and anywhere at no cost. Upon completion, learners can confidently apply what they have learned in real life, meeting the expectations of their employers.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosit Sriphuthorn, President of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, revealed that “Our university has already begun integrating the Green Career platform into its curriculums for the past three months, both in career-oriented Japanese language training and in regular courses.” Similarly, Prof. Dr. Suwat Thanyaros, President of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, added, “We are interested in leveraging the Green Career platform for our learning programs. Our university is currently conducting a comparative analysis to determine how the platform can enhance or replace existing courses.”

In addition, individuals who have benefited from the platform were invited to share their experiences. Among them were Ms. Jeeranan Tubtimsai, a professional caregiver, currently working in Japan, and Mr. Iskandar Kuno, a professional chef at a leading hotel who also volunteers to impart knowledge to the youth in the three southern border provinces.

During the event, Ms. Bhornpattra Chimploy, Division Director of Lifelong Learning Promotion and Training Organization Accreditation at Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organization) (TPQI), highlighted the roles of TPQI in its collaboration with IAFSW to connect the Green Career platform to TPQI’s own E-Workforce Ecosystem (EWE). “In the near future, learners will be able to reskill, upskill, and learn new skills for in-demand careers across various industries, including agriculture, culinary arts, and caregiving, through the Green Career curriculums. Participants will earn TPQI-accredited certifications, which will be stored in the EWE e-portfolio system, thereby enhancing their employment prospects. This collaboration highlights TPQI’s mission to develop a skilled workforce that align with both national and international competency standards while actively promoting lifelong learning in Thailand.”

“We invite students and the general public to explore the Green Career platform, where they can find out more about green skills and environmental sustainability—fields that are in high demand across multiple industries,” concluded Mrs. Suwanee.

The development of the Green Career platform marks a critical milestone in Thailand’s workforce improvement, equipping future professionals with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. This platform broadens access to vocational education for school students, university students, and active workers alike. As the public sector, the private sector, and the education sector are jointly realizing the vision of a sustainable workforce, their efforts effect a turning point in which the next generation is empowered to tackle the challenges of the 21st century head-on. Interested individuals can register for free access to the Green Career platform (https://greencareer.iafsw.org) by emailing greencareer@iafsw.org to express their interest.