Govt to improve CET system, expand PME—level programmes

SINGAPORE: The government will continue to improve its Continuing Education and Training (CET) system so that Singaporean workers remain relevant and competitive. In particular, the government will extend more help to PMEs this year.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister of State for Manpower Amy Khor said the Workforce Development Authority will expand the PME—level programmes that it funds. These include areas like industry practitioner seminars, master classes and mentorship programmes.

It will also expand pathways for PMEs to upgrade.

Dr Khor said the government will partner Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to create Workforce Skills Qualifications—aligned applied degree programmes. She also agreed that more should be done to empower individuals to better take charge of their careers.

She said: "In this regard, WDA will be developing an Individual Learning Portfolio (ILP).The ILP, to be introduced in stages over the next three years, will be an interactive online service that gives individuals access to a range of information and tools. This includes labour market information and self—help profiling tools.

"It also serves as a one—stop repository of an individual’s education, training, skills and work achievements. It will have different features, catering to those in the workforce or preparing to enter it.

"What this means is that individuals will be able to better plan for their own learning and career development. The ILP will also enable employers to post jobs and search for potential employees with the best skills match for their vacancies."

—CNA/ac