By Ramesh Subbaraman
Singapore’s efforts at instilling lifelong learning in its people got big push with the announcement of a new Continuing Education and Training (CET) 2020 Masterplan at the opening of the country’s second CET campus, Lifelong Learning Institute on 17 September 2014.
The CET 2020 Masterplan aims to build deep expertise in the workforce with the increased involvement by employers in building and valuing the skills acquired by workers.
Also announced, the setting up of a new SkillsFuture Council, which will help take forward the work done by the Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review (ASPIRE) Committee and the CET 2020 Masterplan.
Announcing these details was Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, who emphasised that the government wants to help everyone develop skills relevant to the future and build a future based on mastery of skills in every job.
The SkillsFuture Council will comprise representatives from the government, employers and unions and individuals whose personal stories embody what the government aims to achieve.
SUPPORT FROM e2i
NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and the unions are strategic partners in the lifelong learning journey says Chief Executive of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Mr Ng Cher Pong, who adds that WDA plans to significantly strengthen its partnerships with employers, industry associations, unions and training organisations to implement the initiatives. The master plan has also been evolved with feedback and inputs from these bodies.
Mr Ng is confident both the CET campuses – the e2i-operated Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability and the Lifelong Learning Institute will help build strong vibrant communities for working adults who are thinking of upgrading their skills and who need career services.
e2i’s Chief Executive Officer, Gilbert Tan says for employers to believe in training, several things need to be in place.
Firstly, training should be relevant to work and be able to demonstrate skill outcomes.
And next, training should be conducted in a conducive way in relation to business operations, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Some of the ways to achieve these desired outcomes include On-SiteBite-Sized training which is structured around business trading hours at the workplace, and tapping on technology to ensure training is delivered in the optimal time and yet remain effective like using simulators for training.
STRATEGIES FOR SECTORS
Meanwhile, one of the proposals mapped out in the CET 2020 Masterplan is the developing of Sectoral Manpower Strategies which aim to identify the skills and manpower needs of each sector.
DPM Tharman explained, “This involves not only identifying existing skills gaps or mismatches but also anticipating future skills needs given advancements in technology, changes in business models and emerging global trends”.
The sectoral strategies will also articulate clear progression pathways for workers to advance based on skill so that Singaporeans can see the rewards in acquiring deep skills.
Both the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability and the Lifelong Learning Institute will be able to train 50,000 workers annually.
Source: NTUC ThisWeek
To commemorate Singapore's journey towards a highly skilled and sustainable workforce over the past 50 years, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency recently published "Learning for Life", a publication that chronicles our nation's learning journey with the workforce made possible through the tripartite efforts of our government, unions and employers. Read more about Singapore's learning voyage via www.learningforlife.sg
