Desired Plastic Conversion School Model based on the Concept of Learning Factory and New Plastic Economy

Abstract

Plastic industry is one of the key contributors for Thai economywhich is now forced to change towards New Plastic Economy. To survive this disruption, it is necessary to prepare the workforce by developing the right school model to equip learners with skills and readiness towards new plastic economy. The purpose of this research is to discover the desired plastic Conversion School Model based on the Concept of Learning Factory and New Plastic Economy through qualitative research using questionnaire with 7 head of vocational schools, 43 teachers, 46 students, 2 plastic related career development institutes and 7 factory representatives. Statistical analysis including mean and standard deviation is used.

            The findings of the desired plastic conversion school model based on the concept of learning factory and new plastic economy divided into 6 key dimensions and 20 sub-dimensions. First, Operating Model hasthe desired sub-dimensions as followed.Desired operatorfor this school is Plastic Institute, Trainer is Technical Expert, Funding should be internal fundingand business model for trainings is course fees. Second dimension is Purpose and Targets.Purpose of this school is for educationand vocational training. Target group is High vocational certificate. Third dimension is Product. Marketability of product is Recycle packaging that is available on the market, functional and recycled and reused after finished. Fourth, Production process for learning includes the product development with serial production process. Fifth,learning environmentfor this school is Physical Learning Factory supported by digital (IT-integration) with the scaled downsize. Last dimension is Didactic, includes 4 desired competencyclasses:1) new plastic economy production process 2) Collaboration with stakeholders regarding finding new resources 3) Awareness and understanding of environment and new plastic economyand 4)Design and develop new and practical product. For degree of autonomy for the student is as less as being instructed by the instructor. Role of the trainer should be a coach trained with customized workshop.Evaluation Level is to be able to transfer knowledge to the real factoryand Learning Success Evaluation is through practical exam (practice).