HBA Partners with Dusit Technical College to Launch HBA MODEL PREMIUM Course for Aspiring Construction Professionals

The Home Builder Association (HBA) has partnered with Dusit Technical College, under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, to launch the HBA MODEL PREMIUM Course, Class 1, aimed at helping the new generation realize their dreams of becoming skilled construction professionals. This program offers real-world experience while allowing students to earn an income during their studies, guaranteeing job placement upon graduation. This initiative aims to produce skilled workers to meet the growing demand in the home building industry and address the shortage of skilled labor in the market, especially as the sector continues to expand. The overall market outlook for the second quarter indicates a continuous recovery.

Mr. Olar Chanphu, President of the Home Builder Association (HBA), stated that the association is committed to the continuous development and enhancement of personnel capabilities. One of its key missions is to cultivate a new generation of skilled workers to support the expanding home building industry while raising the standards of construction quality to be more widely recognized.

“The expanding home building market has led to an increased demand for labor, resulting in a severe shortage of workers in the construction sector, particularly in skilled trades that require higher skills. Therefore, the association has initiated collaboration with educational institutions to develop a curriculum that equips young people interested in pursuing vocational careers with the necessary knowledge and skills for the workplace,” Mr. Olar said.

The association has collaborated with Dusit Technical College to develop the ‘HBA MODEL PREMIUM Course, Class 1’ to promote the business sector by implementing a dual education system in construction. Interested applicants can apply for this program if they have completed a vocational certificate (Vocational Certificate) in construction or related fields, as well as high school students in their final year who are interested in vocational education. The program will accept 15-20 students, with applications open from April 7 to May 6, 2023.

Mr. Olar noted that the advantages of this vocational program include support for tuition and educational expenses throughout the course, approximately 28,000 baht per person. Additionally, students will receive a stipend of 9,000 baht when they intern with companies, along with accommodation and travel expenses once they are employed, as well as benefits as specified by the company. The program will also cover learning materials, books, and uniforms, which will be provided by each company. Upon passing competency tests, students will be employed by the sponsoring company as construction supervisors, with guaranteed earnings of no less than 15,000 baht per month after graduation and successful competency testing.

“Young people who wish to pursue vocational education will gain knowledge and experience through hands-on practice. The construction trade is a skill in high demand, especially in the continuously expanding home building sector. Throughout the course, students will acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for the workforce upon graduation and becoming a vital part of the future home building industry,” Mr. Olar stated.

Regarding the overall market for home building in the second quarter of 2023, there is a continuous upward trend in the demand for home construction in Bangkok, surrounding areas, and provinces. Data from the “Home Building and Materials Focus 2023” event shows a 15% increase in home construction bookings, particularly in the price range of 2.5 to 10 million baht, which remains the primary market segment, similar to the first quarter of this year. Although the number of homes priced at 20 million baht and above is lower, they can generate a value of up to 1 billion baht.

For young people looking to advance in the construction profession, applications for the HBA Model Premium Class 1 dual education program are open from April 7 to May 6, 2023.