Ford Thailand is continuing its Knowledge to Career program for a ninth consecutive year, with support from Ford Philanthropy and Ford Thailand Manufacturing, working together with Teach for Thailand. The 2026 program provides total funding of 2,579,700 baht.
The program will provide 40 scholarships for higher vocational certificate students and donate engine and transmission technology as real teaching media. The goal is to prepare Thai youth for skilled work in the modern automotive industry.
Scholarships and training support
The 2026 support covers education institutions across multiple regions, focusing on students who need financial assistance and practical training opportunities.
Sattahip Technical College in Chonburi receives 23 scholarships, divided into 18 for mechatronics students and five for automotive students. Ford has also presented certificates to graduates from the program.
The Automotive Technology College in Bangkok receives nine scholarships for a two-year dual vocational program with practical experience at Ford service centers. Lanna Polytechnic Technological College in Chiang Mai receives four scholarships covering tuition, travel and initial living expenses.
Luang Por Koon Parisuttho Technical College in Nakhon Ratchasima receives four scholarships for a two-year program, marking the first time Ford has expanded the initiative into the Northeast. Students will receive hands-on internship opportunities at Ford service centers in the second year.
Real Ford engine and transmission training media
Ford also donated a 2.0-liter diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission to Ban Khai Technical College in Rayong for use as real teaching media in the automotive department. The hardware is connected to key models such as Ford Ranger 2026 and Ford Everest 2026.
Students also visited Ford learning and training facilities, linking classroom study with the real standards used in Ford service and technical operations.
Mentorship and skills workshops
Ford Thailand Managing Director Ratthakarn Jutasen said the program aims to create an environment that helps young technicians grow in a well-rounded way. The support includes mentorship with Ford expert technicians, skills and time-management workshops, mental wellness support and coordination between schools and employers.
Bangkok Motorhaus Perspective
Ford Thailand ninth-year Knowledge to Career program is a clear example of long-term brand building through human capital development. This is not just image-focused CSR. It directly addresses a business pain point: the shortage of skilled technicians who understand Ford-specific engineering and service standards.
Donating a 2.0-liter diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission gives students exposure to real Ford technology before they enter the workforce. That helps build technicians who can adapt more quickly when they join Ford service centers.
The expansion into the Northeast is strategically important because the region is one of Thailand strongest pickup and PPV markets. More local technicians trained through Ford systems can improve aftersales confidence, which remains a major purchase factor for pickup buyers.
The next challenge is the industry transition toward electrification. Traditional engine-focused training alone will not be enough over the long term. Adding more mechatronics, high-voltage EV systems and diagnostic software training will be essential if Ford wants its technician pipeline to stay ahead in the next era.
