Pragairat Promsuk has worked in the Material Planning and Logistics department at Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) for years. But one recent morning felt different from all the others.

Her son, Peerawich, was heading to the plant too. Not to visit. To work.

“As a mother, my greatest wish has always been to see my son study what he loves and build a stable career,” Pragairat said. “Seeing him wear the Ford uniform today, earning his place through his own skills and hard work, brings both immense pride and peace of mind.”

Peerawich is one of two children of FTM employees who graduated from Sattahip Technical College this year and secured full-time positions as technicians at the plant. Their stories reflect something larger than a scholarship program. They reflect what happens when a company invests in the families who already give it so much.

Where it started

Ford partnered with Sattahip Technical College to launch a Dual Vocational Education (apprenticeship) Program, offering scholarships in mechatronics, a field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer systems and automation.

The program originally supported employees who wanted to further their education and develop new skills, while also creating opportunities for students at the college. Over time, Ford expanded it to include employees' children, helping ease financial pressures on families and opening doors for the next generation.

This year, that expansion reached a meaningful milestone. Peerawich Promsuk joined the Integrated Stamping & Body Shop as a technician. Sirawich Bunkamnoed, son of Integrated Stamping & Body Shop employee Kwanchai Bunkamnoed, joined the Paint Shop.

A family's shared pride

For Pragairat, the scholarship changed more than her son's career path. It changed what felt possible for her family. “When we learned he received a scholarship from Ford, it lifted a huge burden off our family,” she said.

Peerawich himself sees the role as both professional and personal. “The Ford scholarship allowed me to learn theory while gaining hands-on experience with modern automation and advanced technology,” he said. “I'm thrilled to apply what I've learned to my daily work in the Integrated Stamping & Body Shop. Most importantly, I'm proud to bring joy to my mother and officially become part of the Ford family.”

Following his father through the gates

A few steps away in the plant, a similar story was unfolding.

Kwanchai Bunkamnoed has worked in the Integrated Stamping & Body Shop for many years. He never expected the company to open a door for his son, too. “I never imagined such a wonderful opportunity from the company would extend to my own son,” Kwanchai said. “The day he received the scholarship and joined the plant alongside me was more than a proud moment. It gave me complete confidence that his future is secure.”

For Sirawich, the connection runs deeper than a job. “I grew up watching my father work at Ford and seeing how proud he was of his job,” Sirawich said. “Today, I'm proud to become part of Ford myself. What means the most to me is seeing the smiles on my father's and my family's faces as I begin this new chapter.”

A leader who knows the feeling

Operations director at Ford Thailand Manufacturing, Vinko Saric sees these stories through a personal lens. He began his own career on the production floor before advancing into leadership, so he understands what opportunity can mean at the start of a career.

“Ford's investment in Thailand goes beyond business performance and financial metrics; we are committed to growing alongside Thai society for the long term,” Vinko said. “Sustainable growth starts with investing in people, providing educational opportunities and advancing high-tech engineering skills for Thai talent and our employees' families.”

For Vinko, the program's value is not measured only by who stays at FTM. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for young people and employees to grow along whichever path they choose,” he said. “Whether our scholarship recipients pursue higher education or embark on technical careers at FTM or elsewhere, we support and celebrate their success. Seeing employees' children bring their skills and knowledge into the workplace is a powerful reflection of the bond we share and Ford's commitment to building a sustainable future for Thailand's automotive industry.”

The first chapter, not the last

Peerawich and Sirawich are just getting started. Their careers at FTM are new, their stories still unfolding. But for the parents who watched them grow up, who worked at this plant for years hoping to build something steady for their families, this moment already means everything.

Two families. Two scholarships. Two sons who followed their parents through the gates.