Long-Term Plans to Increase Recognition of Skills and Vocation-based Training with Tiers for Experience and Skills Certifications
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Associate Professor Jamus Jerome Lim’s inquiry regarding plans to increase recognition for vocation-based training using tiered certification systems similar to those used in Germany and the United States. Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing explained that the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework already provides six credential levels validated by industry stakeholders and trade associations. He highlighted that the framework includes an Assessment-Only Pathway to certify over 500 skills without additional training and is regularly updated to meet economic needs. Furthermore, SkillsFuture Singapore is appointing "Skills Development Partners" to accredit workplace-acquired skills through industry-recognised pathways. This initiative is being piloted in the Information and Communications Technology sector before expanding progressively to other professional sectors.
Transcript
22 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Education whether there are long-term plans for increasing Government's recognition of skills and vocation-based training, with tiers for experience and skills certifications issued by the Ministry, such as the apprentice-journeyman-master system used for certain trades in Germany and the United States.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is a national skills credentialing system that supports the training, development, assessment and certification of skills for the workforce. The WSQ framework is aligned to the SkillsFuture Singapore's (SSG) Skills Frameworks, which are validated by employers, unions, trade associations and chambers (TACs) and professional bodies. There are six levels of WSQ qualifications ranging from WSQ Certificate to WSQ Graduate Diploma. SSG reviews the WSQ framework regularly to ensure that it meets manpower development objectives and focuses on skills that matter to our economy.
The WSQ framework provides an Assessment-Only Pathway (AOP) to certify an individual's knowledge and skills without the need to undergo additional training. The AOP is available across different sectors, from oil and gas, to building and construction, and is applied to more than 500 skills and competencies.
In addition to WSQ, SSG is also promoting greater recognition of skills acquired at the workplace, by partnering sectoral lead agencies and Professional Bodies as "Skills Development Partners". These partners will develop industry-recognised certification pathways to accredit skills acquired by individuals at the workplace, in addition to identifying in-demand and emerging skills needs. SSG will pilot this approach in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, before progressively expanding it to other sectors.