Empowering our People: A History of Technical and Vocational Education in Singapore

We all know how the late 18th century was characterised by the Industrial Revolution and an expanding manufacturing industry.?

However, it is important to examine the importance of technical and vocational education in shaping economies, societies, and academic systems. Singapore’s exemplary journey helps us trace relevant reforms across sectors in the last few decades.?

Rising from the Ashes: Post WWII

This was a time of transformation. Nations were emerging from World War II and realising the potential of skill-based training. Previously colonised nations were fervently asking: How could a country seek to educate its citizens? How would a young country's population be given better opportunities to upskill??

Industrialisation pushed for change across the globe, and Singapore’s education sector rose to the challenge of reforming itself. Over the many years as an educator, especially in TVET, I’ve witnessed firsthand how new methods of education can transform the lives of learners.??

Where it Began: History of Technical and Vocational Education

In 1965, the end of colonial control acted as a catalyst for growth. Singapore had to adapt and advance by addressing a vital question: How does a country redefine itself when it is dependent on colonial industries??

A labour-intensive workforce paved the way for a solution and the progressive island dedicated itself to empowering skilled workers. Eventually, this would give rise to Singapore’s economic independence and self-reliance, along with a distinctive educational system.?

Government Support of Vocational and Technical Education?

Unlike other countries, there is a quicker response to market needs. Government agencies like the Manpower Ministry, the Ministry of Education, the Economic Development Board work closely with each other and education sectors to enable rapid growth. Thanks to changing attitudes, school-leavers and part-time workers could avail new opportunities. Courses were also made relevant to the changing industry standards.?

Singapore’s government capitalised on their trade connectivity and supply networks during the growing years. They offered tax incentives, infrastructural support, and stable policies to attract foreign investments across industries. Not only did the manufacturing industry see a boost, but the labour-intensive economy was being shaped into a more refined workforce

Skill-based training is focused on specific trades such as carpentry, production, metalworking, blacksmithing, carpentry, and textile manufacturing. One of the most prevalent models is the apprenticeship system which enables aspiring workers to gain practical know-how.?

The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) dedicated itself "to maximise the human potential of Singaporeans through excellence in technical education and training so as to develop the quality of our workforce and enhance Singapore's global competitiveness".

How Effective is Vocational Training?

Bruce Poh (CEO), the leader behind ITE’s success (2005-2013), makes an incredible point about students who go on to join the workforce. “Some perform very well in skills where they use their hands, but that does not mean they do not use their brains as now more skills need cognitive skills to apply what they have learned,”. My work as and educator and also in SINDA has repeatedly reaffirmed the varying abilities of learners. There are no bad students, only bad systems.?

Studies rightly conclude that “vocational training is dynamic”. It has evolved within a comparatively short span of time to meet demands. The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) serves as an example of this dynamism. In 2018, the ITE had a 79% public acceptance rating, which is a perceptible hike from its score of 34% in 1997.?

Apprenticeship: Implementing Skills, Technology and Knowledge

The cornerstone values of apprenticeship are pre-employment training and lifelong employability. Various educational institutes have continually worked with industries to ensure the relevance of on-ground training.?

Real-world exposure and implementation of skills means that students can link their training to their employment opportunities. A conceptual shift in pre-employment training has also meant integrating industry-relevant curriculum, with the right technology and hands-on training.?

Facilitating apprenticeship has been a game-changer in creating an experienced workforce. Apprenticeship programmes exist across sectors like Aerospace industries, Retail Sales, Health Care, Travel & Tourism, and Computer Operations.?

What’s more, apprenticeships allow workers to acclimatise to appropriate corporate attitudes. Thus, the workforce can effectively keep up with global values of skill-development, flexibility, and active learning.

2010’s onwards, Singapore's education system has grown significantly. We can see the growth of Universities like Singapore Institute of Technology (2009) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (2017), and the enhancement of post-secondary institutes that offer hands-on skills training and employment preparation.?

The ASPIRE Committee (2014) and the SkillsFuture National Movement (2015) were programmes that displayed government support for empowering learners. Career guidance, internships and financial support for work-skills related courses became incentivising factors for aspiring employees.??

Artificial Intelligence: The Road Ahead

In a time when expertise is ever-changing, the necessity of lifelong learning is apparent. This is especially true in populous nations where there is a great and evolving need for skilled labour.

Today, the value attributed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how skills are developed. AI becomes more than just a tool; with its ability to adapt quickly, it becomes an organising principle in the following ways:

• Enhancing Human Capacities:

AI augments human abilities and enables personalised learning experiences. Using AI to tailor courses and content on learning platforms can help students with skill acquisition.?

• Guiding Educational Landscape:

AI identifies emerging job trends and skill requirements. This can assist policy-makers and educational institutions while creating their programs.

• Skills Matching and Lifelong Learning:

AI assesses skill gaps and matches individuals with suitable learning pathways. Ultimately, AI can enable lifelong learning by focusing on the intellectual capability of individual workers.?

Conclusion

In tracing the history of Technical and Vocational Education, its enduring relevance and impact become evident. Originating during the Industrial Revolution, it has transformed over time to emphasise industry-relevant skills in contemporary society.?

However, I find that the primary need of education systems goes beyond simply developing skills. What remains important is cultivating a culture of lifelong learning.?

Singapore's success masterfully demonstrates how the attitude towards a learning institutions itself can shape our mindsets. What starts with an investment in infrastructure, like laboratories, resources and spaces for self-expression, can grow into a sense of belongingness for students. Pairing these cultural developments with digital literacy can go a long way towards creating happy learners and empowered employees.?