A Study of Manpower Potential Development Needs of the Industrial Sector in the Eastern Economic Corridor

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study and analyze the demand for workforce capacity development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The sample group consists of 235 individuals from industrial establishments in the automotive parts manufacturing industry, electric vehicle assembly industry, logistics industry, and automated manufacturing industry. The tools used in the study include questionnaires and forums for expressing opinions, covering knowledge, skills, competencies, and courses desired by the establishments. The basic statistics used include mean and standard deviation.

        The general information study of the workforce revealed that most respondents are male engineers with the most work experience being 11-15 years, primarily working in the automotive parts manufacturing industry in Chachoengsao province. The study on the development of desired skills in production workers found a high demand for personnel with energy management, energy conservation, and environmental skills, with an average score of 4.29 and a standard deviation of 0.55. Regarding problems and obstacles in the work of production workers, management was rated at a high level with an average score of 4.14 and a standard deviation of 0.53. The skill in controlling the production process was rated highest with an average score of 4.26 and a standard deviation of 0.54. Knowledge and ability in industrial and engineering technology were rated with an average score of 4.13 and a standard deviation of 0.57, while the ability to use tools for productivity enhancement scored an average of 4.27 with a standard deviation of 0.54. Moral intelligence (MQ) was rated the highest among personal characteristics with an average score of 4.26 and a standard deviation of 0.54.

        The study of the desired skills or characteristics of the workforce in establishments found that knowledge in production roles was rated at a high level with an average score of 4.14 and a standard deviation of 0.52. The study of future workforce plans indicated that each organization plans to recruit knowledgeable and skilled individuals to perform the required job positions, with plans to recruit individuals with specific expertise in various work-related skills. New graduates who lack work experience often resign shortly after being hired.

        The study of environmental management skills desirable in establishments found that respondents rated personal characteristics skills in greenhouse gas emission assessment and management techniques to reduce emissions at a high level with an average score of 3.99 and a standard deviation of 0.76. Respondents also suggested that training courses should include IATF 16949 quality management system standards for the automotive industry, to promote personnel and establishments' understanding of quality management processes and standards for automotive quality management to elevate the standards of the automotive industry.