Bangkok 20 May 2026 – AUTO1, the comprehensive automotive service centre under CRC Thaiwatsadu Co., Ltd. under Central Retail, has revealed the success of its dual vocational scholarship program, now entering its sixth year. To date, the company has awarded more than 9.6 million baht in scholarships to support vocational skill development alongside classroom-based theoretical learning. The program operates through partnerships with leading educational institutions under a Dual Vocational Education (DVE) framework aimed at enhancing students’ skills in line with labour market demands through the ‘Operations Trainee Program’ model. The initiative also enables students to earn an income during their studies, while serving as a key mechanism connecting the education sector with the labour market to help drive industrial and economic growth efficiently amid the challenges of rapid technological change.

Mr. Thanawat Chirangkapat, President of CRC Thaiwatsadu Co., Ltd. under Central Retail stated that “Thailand’s automotive market is placing increasing importance on efficient maintenance and repair services, which aligns with the rapid expansion of AUTO1, the comprehensive automotive service center under CRC Thaiwatsadu Co Ltd. We aim to expand to 100 branches nationwide by 2026 in order to support continuously growing market demand. Beyond accelerating branch expansion, AUTO1 remains committed to operating as an organization that actively contributes to society through the Dual Vocational Educational program, which focuses on promoting quality education and employment opportunities through the ‘Operations Trainee Program’. The program develops specialized workforce skills through training and real-world operational experience, addressing the needs of the vocational labour market, particularly in the technical field, where demand for skilled workers remains consistently high. Students also gain hands-on work experience while earning an income, in line with Central Retail’s core mission to sustainably improve quality of life and society. Over more than six years of operation, the program has successfully developed over 122 students equipped with both Soft Skills and Hard Skills, with 84 participants subsequently recruited as full-time employees. The program has delivered scholarship support worth more than 9.6 million baht.”

The ‘Operations Trainee Program’ is regarded as one of the key mechanisms under Central Group’s dual vocational education scholarship initiative. It has been designed to elevate internship programs to professional standards by establishing a rigorous learning foundation and structured development pathway that creates clear career opportunities. Students participating in the program gain comprehensive real-world experience within fully integrated automotive service centers, covering everything from basic operational procedures to advanced automotive technologies throughout a full year of practical training. The program also includes systematic theoretical and practical examinations conducted under the close supervision of AUTO1’s training and operations teams, alongside monthly testing and performance evaluations. Branch managers and district managers serve as mentors, transferring knowledge and cultivating leadership skills through the following development stages

1. Foundation Development (Technician Level B to Level A) Selected students from the dual vocational program enter a four-month foundation program covering technical operations and branch service systems. This stage develops the skills and readiness required to progress from entry-level technicians (Level B) to professional automotive technicians (Level A).
2. Advancement to Management Roles (Level A Technician to Assistant Branch Manager) Once employees advance to Level A Technician status and pass capability assessments, they are supported in transitioning into management roles. This includes training in functional knowledge skills such as administration, inventory management, and accounting and finance systems, alongside 1-2 years of management practice under close supervision from mentors to prepare for assistant branch manager positions.
3. Leadership Development (Assistant Branch Manager to Branch Manager) This phase focuses on strengthening people management and organizational leadership skills through leadership development courses and First Time Manager Program. The development process takes approximately four months before promotion to the Branch Manager position.
4. Progression to Regional Management (Branch Manager to District Manager) Outstanding branch-level executives receive further development in district management skills, alongside professional coaching capabilities. Participants must complete practical training and performance evaluations in accordance with program standards over a four-month period before being considered for promotion to broader management roles.

According to business research data from Land and Houses Bank Public Company Limited, Thailand’s automotive service and maintenance centre market in 2025 was valued at more than 86 billion baht, with an average annual growth rate of around 3% between 2019 and 2023. As a result, demand for technical and automotive service personnel continues to rise steadily. This aligns with the Department of Skill Development’s workforce development plans, which target upgrading the skills of at least 30,000 workers by 2027 to support automotive production and after-sales services. The initiative is also aligned with AUTO1’s strategic branch expansion plan, which requires additional technical and service personnel to support its target of expanding to 100 branches nationwide by 2026. The dual vocational scholarship program and the ‘Operations Trainee Program’ are therefore considered strategic investments in skilled and specialised human capital, serving as a crucial mechanism supporting economic growth, the future automotive industry, and the labour market in a meaningful way.

Mr. Parasit Boonsom, AUTO1 Branch Manager at Thaiwatsadu Bangsaen Chonburi, and one of the program participants from the 2021 academic year, said “On my first day at work, I felt very excited, but the senior staff welcomed me warmly and taught me lessons that could never be found in textbooks. Real practical training turned out to be very different from what I had imagined because I encountered real situations and worked with new car models, which motivated me to seek further knowledge. I would like to tell younger students who may be interested that AUTO1 teaches us and gives us the confidence to step into the workforce for the first time. All you need is determination and readiness to become part of the organisation.”

Mr. Natdanai Pholphat, AUTO1 Technician (Level A) Staff at Thaiwatsadu Bangsaen Chonburi, who joined the program in the 2022 academic year, said “I studied at Eastern Technological College (E.TECH) and learned about the program, so I applied because I wanted practical work experience focused on hands-on learning. The internship experience was very different from what I expected, but I was impressed because I was able to work directly on customers’ vehicles while senior technicians closely guided and supported me, showing techniques that made the work easier and faster. This meant I never had to worry about lacking guidance or support. In the future, I aim to keep improving myself, take on challenges I have never done before, and continue growing in this career path.”

As of 2026, the program has continued successfully into its sixth year and has established close collaboration through MOUs with nine leading educational institutions nationwide, including: Eastern Technological College (E.TECH), Chonburi, Lanna Polytechnic ChiangMai Technological College, Chiang Mai, Chiangrai Technical College, Chiang Rai, Chiangmai Technical College, Chiang Mai, Chondaen Industrial and Community Education College, Phetchabun, Chanapolkhan Technological College, Nakhon Ratchasima, PAYAP Technological and Business College, Chiang Mai, Uthaithani Technical College, Uthai Thani and Sakon Nakhon Technical College, Sakon Nakhon

The program currently accepts a total of 30 internship students, who are assigned to practical placements across 15 branches nationwide in Bangkok and surrounding metropolitan areas, as well as the Eastern region.

For more information from AUTO1 please visit www.auto1.co.th Facebook Fanpage : Auto1 Thailand or Tel. 02 103 3999