The Education Ministry will allow those employed in the technical field to pursue teaching careers in vocational schools without having to sit for professional certifications.
"The government has always valued teachers," said Education Minister Teerakiat Jareonsettasin as he presided over a merit-making ceremony for Teacher's Day on Wednesday.
The decision to scrap professional certification requirements will loosen up the strict prerequisites set by the Office of the Vocational Education Commission.
Under current regulations, applicants who wish to teach technical skills -- such as welding, building construction, and mechanic -- must be professionally certified in their field of work to teach in vocational schools.
The requirement is seen as a hurdle by prospective applicants who possess the practical skills, but are not professionally certified despite their previous experience.
"Private vocational schools have welcomed this plan, because it will allow them to recruit teachers who are 'real experts' in their respective fields," said Dr Teerakiat.
The professional standards commission is looking into ways to set the minimum standard for experience to ensure the quality of teaching is not compromised, he said.
"We expect to receive more applications before the start of the new semester," Dr Teerakiat said.
