Pakdee College of Commerce of Technology, in partnership with Case IH, a brand of CNH, has introduced a first-of-its-kind Dual Programme under its Diploma in Agricultural Machinery program.
In line with its long-standing commitment to equip Thailand’s agriculture talent with future-ready skills, Case IH has donated an Austoft 4000 sugarcane harvester for use in the hands-on workshop which is being jointly delivered by Pakdee instructors and Case IH product experts.
The course covers a wide range of skills, from basic maintenance to complex machinery assembly, offering students a comprehensive understanding of modern harvester technology. Under the Dual Programme, students earn credits upon successfully completing their apprenticeship.
One of the Agricultural Machinery students, 24-year-old Woraphot Phongsraphang, said the practical workshop has enhanced understanding of technical concepts: “Working with a real harvester immerses us in the machinery world, providing a hands-on experience that complements the theories we learn in the classroom,” he said.
The 24-year-old aspiring mechanic said he had an experience fixing cars but never imagined he would be learning with a real harvester. “At first, I thought it would be very challenging to assemble it and to adjust the components but our instructors at Pakdee and Case IH guided us step-by-step. It was a valuable experience,” Woraphot shared.
Natthaphong Onchana, another student in the program, noted how the training has improved his farm work and future career prospects. “Theory alone is not enough. Putting theory into practice, such as seeing, touching and assembling the actual machine parts, helps us understand how to use and maintain the harvester properly and more effectively.”
“I can directly apply what I’ve learned on our family farm, and after I graduate, I can work as a technician, hopefully with a company like Case IH,” Natthaphong added.
The ongoing partnership between Pakdee College and Case IH underpins the importance of investing in the future of agriculture by nurturing the next-generation of farmers with access to cutting-edge agriculture machinery and technology.
Michael Moore, Case IH Asia-Pacific Training Manager, said: “Case IH is dedicated to empowering future farmers and agriculture professionals with the skills and knowledge that they need to flourish in a rapidly transforming industry. We are honoured to support Pakdee College in this innovative, engaging, and impactful programme in Thailand."