Assessment of Quality and Effectiveness of SkillsFuture Training
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns measures to assess the quality and effectiveness of SkillsFuture training through competency or company-based outcomes instead of mere attendance, as raised by Mr Sharael Taha. Minister for Education Lawrence Wong stated that SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) gathers feedback through immediate and six-month post-training surveys to monitor work performance and skill application. These survey results, alongside regular audits of training providers, are used by SSG during the funding renewal process to maintain high standards of training delivery. Effectiveness is also measured through employer-focused surveys, including the Public Perception Survey and the Work-Study Programme Outcomes Survey, to gauge the impact on employee performance. Furthermore, certifiable skills training and Workforce Skills Qualification courses must demonstrate clear learning outcomes through mandatory competency-based assessments to receive higher-tier funding support.
Transcript
79 Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for Education whether there are any measures in place to (i) assess the quality of training from SkillsFuture training providers and (ii) measure the effectiveness of SkillsFuture courses, through competency or company-based outcome assessments rather than using course attendance and participation.
Mr Lawrence Wong: To assess the quality of training from funded training providers, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) conducts surveys immediately after course completion, to gather trainee feedback on the training quality. Follow-up surveys are conducted with trainees six months after completion of the course to ascertain post-training outcomes, such as the ability to apply the skills learnt at work. 86% of the trainees surveyed in 2019 indicated that they were able to perform better at work after undergoing SSG-funded training. The survey results are taken into consideration by SSG during the funding renewal process. Additionally, SSG conducts regular checks and audits on course delivery by training providers.
We share the member's view that we should focus on the outcomes of training, and go beyond input measures like course attendance and participation. This is why SSG conducts regular surveys with employers to gauge the effectiveness of SkillsFuture training programmes. These include the Public Perception Survey on SkillsFuture, which surveys employers on the impact of SkillsFuture training on the work performance of their employees. Another example is the Work-Study Programme Outcomes Survey, a programme-specific survey which measures employers' satisfaction of the programme and effectiveness of the Work-Study approach in training potential or existing employees.
Certifiable skills training courses that enjoy a higher tier of funding support are examinable and need to demonstrate clear learning outcomes. Trainees who go through courses accredited under the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) system are required to take competency-based assessments as part of the course requirement.
We take the quality and outcomes of SkillsFuture training seriously, and will continue to ensure that Singaporeans are well-supported in their lifelong learning journey.