Saudi Arabia’s Private Sector Satisfied After Labour Minister Assigns DSD Director-General to Lead Visit at Skill Assessment Center

Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin assigned the Department of Skills Development’s Director-General, Mr. Prateep Songlamyong, to visit the area to observe preparations of the skills assessment facility for jobseekers looking to work abroad at the KTC Skills Assessment Center, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province. Assistant to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, the Ministry of Labour’s executives, civil servants, and officials attending the event. Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin revealed that the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense General Prayuth Chan-ocha has the policy to expedite the deployment of Thai workers to work in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Labour has responded to the policy and assigned it to the Department of Skill Development to prepare and facilitate skill assessment facilities for workers wishing to work in Saudi Arabia.

The Department of Skills Development’s Director-General, Mr. Prateep Songlamyong, said that today, five recruitment companies from Saudi Arabia assigned Dr. Hussein Ayed Al Awad, President of Princess Joy Placement and General Service, as a representative to observe the readiness of the KTC Skills Assessment Center. Initially, Dr. Hussein was satisfied with the preparations of the assessment center. He said that Saudia Arabia requires workers in welding, especially underwater technicians and painters, including medical staff. The Department of Skill Development has prepared to support the deployment of Thai workers to Saudi Arabia. It is prepared to facilitate the national skills standards assessment facility in the fields of high demand, such as engine mechanics, car painters, builders, electricians, cooks and chefs, hotel staff, logistics supervisors, and truck drivers. The Department of Skill Development’s skill standards assessments had discussions to consider the guidelines for using national skill standards by improving the curriculum, fees, and tests to match the positions, including setting central and national skill standards and the format that employers use want. The labour skill standard assessment guarantees competence to help build confidence. It is also a permit for workers who want to work abroad and improves job opportunities and career advancement for those who pass the skill test. Employers can know and be confident that the person has the knowledge and skills that match the job position they want. The KTC Skills Assessment Center is part of the Department of Skill Development’s network. It is a place to assess the skills of job seekers looking to work abroad. The Department of Skill Development has checked the readiness and suitability of the place, tools, materials, equipment, and safety. The KTC Skills Assessment Center has the qualifications of the test controller that are ready and suitable to be licensed as a skill-testing operator in 4 occupational groups (24 branches), comprising the welders and sheet metal workers ground in 8 branches, the electrician and electronics technician group in 3 branches, the automotive technician’s group in 4 branches, and the construction technicians group in 9 branches.

For those interested in working in Saudi Arabia, you can register through the electronic system for Thai workers traveling abroad at the http://toea.doe.go.th website, select “Register,” and select “Job Seekers.” You can study the manual on how to register as a job seeker on the website and follow the news on www.doe.go.th/overseas, or contact the Provincial Employment Office in every province on official days or at the Ministry of Labour’s hotline, call 1506 press 2, for the Department of Employment.

Dr. Hussein Ayed Al Awad from Princess Joy Placement and General Service said that today, he visited the KTC Skills Assessment Center for electric welders and various skill assessment areas and was very satisfied with the outcome. He said that he looks forward to working together in the future. The company needs car mechanics, electric welders, underwater welders, and construction workers since Saudi Arabia plans to build a hotel.

Ms. Aranya Sakulkosol, President of the Thai Overseas Manpower Association, said that this visit aimed to prepare for sending Thai workers to work in Saudi Arabia. Thai workers who are interested in working in Saudi Arabia must register online with the Department of Employment and wait for the official announcement of the MOU between the two countries together first.

Source: Ministry of Labour