The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and Labtech International Ltd., through coordination with the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), Thailand, have recently implemented the Online In-Country Program on the Training of Trainers on Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Using Virtual TVET last April 24-27, 2023, using Zoom platform. A total of forty (40) TVET trainers from TVET institutions all over Thailand have participated and completed all the requirements of the training. In addition, three (3) trainers from the International Electrical Technical Institute (IETI) in the Philippines also joined the program.
This five-day online program aimed to provide the participants an understanding of the teaching innovations and methodologies using digital technology in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration. The topics are designed to cover themes such as understanding and mastering digital TVET frameworks, and approaches to blended (hybrid) learning in TVET, Competency-Based Training in digital teaching among others.
Program management includes Program Supervisors Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General; Dr. Steven McKee, President of Labtech International Ltd.; and Dr. Thanu Wongjinda, Secretary-General, OVEC, Thailand. Mr. Laksasak Yangsaman, Director, International and External Relations Division, OVEC, Thailand, served as the local coordinator for the program. The program was facilitated by Mr. Brad Ker, General Manager and Program Coordinator for Labtech International Ltd., as well as guest speakers Mr. Antonis Siamas, Head Trainer and SME, Superior Training Center Australia, and Mr. Ian Andrew, Consultant and TVET Specialist from Labtech International Ltd.
The opening program was held on April 24, 2023, and was primarily attended by the program management as well as key officials from CPSC, Labtech International Ltd., and OVEC. The participants were welcomed by CPSC Director General, Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe (through a video presentation), Dr. Steven McKee, and Mr. Somporn Pandam, Deputy Secretary-General, OVEC, who represented Dr. Thanu Wongjinda. H.E. Tull Traisorat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy, Manila, Philippines, also delivered a special remarks.
The five-day training consisted of lectures and activities that were facilitated by the resource persons. The participants were able to understand alternate teaching deliveries on advanced and practical modes of teaching on air conditioning and refrigeration such as troubleshooting and HVAC relevance to industry among others. The participants were given access to the Labtech Academy’s Learning Management System (LMS) which utilizes gaming technology to make the sessions more interactive. A lesson plan using virtual TVET was developed by the participants at the end of the training, which was assessed and evaluated by Mr. Brad Ker.
Program coordinator Mr. Brad Ker facilitating the sessions
The closing ceremony was held on April 27, 2023 and was attended by key officials from CPSC and Labtech International Ltd. Brief reflections were shared by selected participants who generally expressed their gratitude in line with the successful facilitation by CPSC and Labtech. Likewise in his speech, Mr. Laksasak Yangsaman, provided the Vote of Thanks and expressed OVEC’s appreciation to both CPSC and Labtech. CPSC Senior Faculty Specialist Engr. Dr. Mian Khuram Ahsan delivered the closing remarks on behalf of CPSC Director General. He expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee, as well as hoped for future collaborations between CPSC, Labtech, and OVEC. On behalf of OVEC’s Secretary-General, Dr. Rangsan Thepmondhri, Director of Policy and Strategy Division, OVEC likewise signified the continued support of OVEC to CPSC in its upcoming programs and projects.
Screenshot of the program management with the participants during the closing ceremony
