Empowering a dynamic workforce: policy-driven partnerships between VET and industry in Singapore
Authors:
Bryan Ang and Douglas Lim
Institute for Adult Learning
Theme: International
Presentation:
As nations grapple with the challenges of a dynamic global economy, the imperative for robust partnerships between Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions and industry becomes paramount. This paper examines Singapore's approach to cultivating a future-ready workforce through strategic VET-industry collaborations, aligning with the theme "VET partnerships powering a dynamic workforce" of the conference, and presents an analysis of the industry and pedagogical currency of adult educators in Singapore’s Training and Adult Education (TAE) sector.
Despite significant advancements in the TAE sector in Singapore, our research identifies gaps particularly in maintaining the industry and pedagogical currency of its workforce. We discuss the critical need for continuous professional development of adult educators (AEs) and industry practitioners (IPs) in both industry and pedagogical competencies, as they are central to delivering industry-relevant, high-quality training. Drawing on qualitative data, the paper proposes a tripartite policy framework to enhance the professional trajectories of AEs and IPs. The framework advocates for the adoption of industry mentorship schemes, the establishment of dual professional tracks, and the integration of AEs within corporate environments. These initiatives aim to foster industry-TAE sector partnerships, creating a conduit for knowledge exchange and aligning training with evolving industry requirements.
The paper also explores innovative solutions to practitioner development challenges, including industry attachments, co-funding arrangements, and the potential for micro-credentialing to facilitate flexible, targeted learning pathways. In synthesising these findings, the paper contributes to the discourse on best practices for strengthening VET-industry partnerships, with the objective of formulating scalable strategies that ensure the availability and preparedness of trainers and assessors within both industry and the wider TAE sector. It articulates a strategic roadmap that, if adopted, could significantly bolster the adaptability and responsiveness of the VET sector, thus advancing the broader aim of cultivating a resilient, skilled workforce in Singapore, and potentially informing VET systems in countries with similar socio-economic contexts.