Get to knw more about Training and adult Education in Singapore | CET | WSQ

1. Training and adult education in Singapore

2. The world keeps changing every day. Better ideas come up and new ways on how to get things
done. This is especially true in the work environment. The skills and techniques that may produce
wonders today, may be considered irrelevant in a few years to come. As an employee, it is
therefore of utmost importance to keep upgrading your skills and knowledge. This will not only
ensure you remain relevant but also help you have better job prospects. Here come the importance
of Training and Adult Education in Singapore.
The government of Singapore has made this possible for all its citizens by setting up the
Continuing Education and Training (CET) system as part of adult education in Singapore.

3. Continuing Education and Training (CET)
Officially launched in 2008, the CET system seeks to empower Singapore’s workforce and keep it
at par with economic changes. This is because factors like technological advancements make
some skills and careers obsolete as time goes by.
For example, a few years back you would earn decently by being a video store clerk. Not anymore.
With the emergence of movie streaming sites such as Netflix, this job description is now irrelevant.
Through the CET system, you can continuously keep learning new skills and techniques that come
in handy in your career. Your starting qualifications do not matter as long as you keep upgrading
your skills and deepening your professional competency

4. Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ)
It is a continuing education and training (CET) system that helps train, develop, assess, and certify
skills and competencies. Though the system complements the formal education system, it does not
require any academic prerequisites. Anyone is, therefore, qualified to join regardless of their
academic background and qualifications. This applies to both the technical and generic aspects. In
the technical aspect, WSQ focuses on teaching job-specific skills that an individual needs to
perform various tasks in a particular job. This includes training in aerospace, logistics, security,
water fabrication, and Information and Communications Technology, just to mention a few.

5. Benefits of WSQ to Individuals
■ Enables you to plan your career or attain new skills for a new employment sector
■ You get to gain more skills and experience growth in your career.
■ Once you complete various courses you acquire certifications that will prove your newfound
knowledge to employers
■ New qualifications and certifications improve your career prospects
■ You get to assess and certify your skills vis -a- vis industry standards.
■ Improved work morale due to more confidence in handling various tasks

6. Benefits of WSQ to Employers
■ Avails standard, quality, and relevant training choices
■ Provides guidance on areas to train and equip employees
■ Through it, employers can gauge the performance and competency of their employees
■ Empowers in-house training.
■ Enables employers to come up with a practical and relevant job description.

7. Pathways for Attaining WSQ Qualifications
There are two main ways of acquiring WSQ qualifications
1. Train and assess pathway
2. Assessment only pathway
Train and Assess Pathway
This is whereby employees first undergo training, and after completing take assessments to prove
their competency. Once they satisfy the examiners, they are certified. Depending on your
preference, there are several ways in which you can undertake these classes

8. ■ Classroom Delivery
Considered among the most general form of training strategies, it is a structured, facilitated, and highly
interactive teaching method. You will need to set aside some time and days of the week to be physically
present for the classes.
■ E-Learning
If you do not have a flexible working schedule, you can choose to go with this option. Just like in a
classroom setting, you can learn all that you need to in a particular subject, only that this time you get to
learn at your own pace and suitable time. What’s more, you can take the lessons from any part of the
world you are in. It is also a suitable method if you prefer individual learning rather than crowd settings. In
case of any questions or problems, you can reach the tutor via the provided forms of communication.

9. Assessment Only Pathway
This route is appropriate for those who are confident in their skills and experience thus do not need to undergo
training. Instead, they opt to only take assessments to get certified and prove their competency. The government
of Singapore has appointed various centers where one can undertake these tests.
Levels of Qualifications in WSQ
There are seven levels of qualifications. Namely Certificate, Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma/
Professional Diploma, Specialist Diploma, Graduate Certificate, and Graduate Diploma. Once you complete each
level, you are awarded some credit points. The higher the credit points you garner, the more competent you are
considered by employers. To encourage employees to attain full WSQ qualifications, the government has put in
place the Skills Future Qualification Award. It is a program that awards applicants, who have attained full
qualifications, a cash reward of $200 or $1000.