On 3 September 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) convened the third meeting of the National Aviation Workforce Development Working Group for 2026 at the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) in Bangkok. The meeting was chaired by Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT, and focused on reviewing the draft framework for advancing aviation workforce development in Thailand. The framework is intended to provide a systematic approach to developing the country\u2019s aviation workforce in line with industry needs and the evolving landscape of the aviation sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aviation workforce development has become an important priority at the international level. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), through its Next Generation Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, supports Member States and relevant stakeholders in preparing the next generation of aviation professionals and promoting the knowledge, skills and competencies required to work effectively in the aviation industry. Against the backdrop of continued global aviation growth, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to experience strong demand for aviation professionals, highlighting the need to strengthen education, training and skills development systems to ensure an adequate supply of qualified personnel for the industry\u2019s future needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this context, the National Aviation Workforce Development Working Group brings together representatives from government agencies, aviation organizations, industry stakeholders and policy bodies, including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Labour, Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC), Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), Department of Airports (DOA), Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd. (AEROTHAI), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), Airlines Association of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), together with CAAT. The Working Group serves as a platform for integrating cooperation and information across sectors and jointly developing approaches to ensure that Thailand\u2019s aviation workforce meets the evolving needs of the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the meeting, participants exchanged views and information on workforce development projects and activities being undertaken by their respective organizations. These inputs will contribute to developing a comprehensive framework covering the entire workforce development pathway from attracting people to aviation careers and developing their knowledge, skills and competencies, to facilitating their transition into the labor market. The framework is intended to provide a practical foundation for advancing aviation workforce development at the national level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The meeting also included a presentation by the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) on its approaches to education, skills development and preparing vocational students for careers in the aviation sector. Vocational education represents an important part of the aviation talent pipeline, helping develop future personnel from an early stage while better aligning education and training with the skills and competencies required by industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAAT also provided an update on preparations for the \u201cThailand Aviation Job and Education Fair,\u201d scheduled to take place on 30\u201331 October 2026 at Sala Phra Kieo, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. The event will provide a platform connecting educational institutions, the aviation industry and individuals interested in aviation careers. It aims to raise awareness of educational pathways, career opportunities and employment prospects across the aviation sector, while helping employers connect with qualified and high-potential talent that meets industry needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CAAT recognizes aviation workforce development as a key foundation for the continued growth of Thailand\u2019s aviation industry. Through the Working Group, CAAT is promoting collaboration among relevant stakeholders across the entire workforce development pathway from raising awareness and encouraging interest in aviation careers, to education and training, skills and competency development, and entry into the labor market. This integrated approach will help ensure that Thailand can develop a skilled and capable aviation workforce that responds effectively to the changing needs of the industry, providing a strong foundation for enhancing the competitiveness and sustainable growth of Thailand\u2019s aviation sector in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n