Inno4Tourism: Online Training Program for Thai and Lao Universities
The University of Macedonia (UoM), as part of the Inno4Tourism project, successfully delivered a 3-day online training program designed to empower higher education institutions (HEIs) in Thailand and Laos. This initiative aimed to equip academic and administrative staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to establish University-Business Cooperation (UBC) mechanisms and provide holistic career services to students and alumni.
The training program, titled “Training Programme on UBC and Holistic Career Services,” was delivered by Dr. Sofia Gkarane and Prof. Chris Vassiliadis and was conducted in two separate sessions: the first one for Laotian universities (NUOL and SKU), from October 16 to 18, 2024, and the second one for Thai universities (PSU and CMU), from October 29 to 31, 2024. Both sessions followed a structured agenda, focusing on theoretical knowledge, practical applications, and action-oriented strategies.
A Comprehensive and Multi-Faceted Approach
The program was divided into three key parts. Day 1 emphasized the importance of UBC, delving into European UBC-related policies, the development of UBC activities across education and research, and the factors that influence UBC success. Day 2 explored the concept of holistic career services, highlighting career counseling, job search strategies, alumni networking, and work-based learning opportunities. On Day 3, participants engaged in developing HEI-specific plans for establishing UBC mechanisms and career services, incorporating a whole-institution approach and actionable frameworks.
Tailored Learning for Laos and Thailand
Each session was customized to the context of the participating countries, ensuring relevance and applicability. In Laos, the program engaged 49 staff members from the National University of Laos (NUOL) and Savannakhet University (SKU). For Thailand, 54 staff members from Prince of Songkla University (PSU) and Chiang Mai University (CMU) took part.
Interactive and Impactful Training
The online format featured interactive workshops, guided discussions, and practical exercises facilitated by the trainers from UoM. Participants explored best practices from European countries, analyzed HEI and labor market dynamics, and worked collaboratively to draft context-based action plans tailored to their institutions.
Outcomes and Feedback
The impact of the programme was evaluated through feedback questionnaires, with participants noting the comprehensive nature of the training and its practical utility. Outputs included detailed presentations and documented results, which will guide the implementation of UBC mechanisms and holistic career services in each HEI.
This initiative marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between HEIs and the business sector while enhancing career services for students and alumni, aligning academic curricula with industry demands, and promoting sustainable tourism education.