Forum: Effectiveness of lifelong learning measured in several ways

We thank Mr Ives Tay for his letter “

Let’s see real results from lifelong learning

” (Oct 7).

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) are aligned with Mr Tay on the need to strengthen the link between training and tangible career outcomes. Fundamentally, training is effective when it helps individuals perform better in their roles and prepare them for new responsibilities.

We raise and measure this effectiveness in various ways.

First, to ensure quality and applicability of training, we measure its impact through learners’ validation. In 2024, 69 per cent of learners strongly agreed that training improved work performance, 64 per cent attributed career advancements to their courses, and over 84 per cent found the learning transferable to their work. We continue to uplift training quality through raising adult educator standards, strengthening skills validation and supporting learning innovations.

Second, we actively engage employers to ensure the direction and focus of training are relevant to the companies’ needs. Employers can exert market influence on the training supply; about 45 per cent of SkillsFuture-supported learners are employer-sponsored. Employers work through SkillsFuture Queen Bee companies, skills development partners and jobs-skills integrators to aggregate training demands by sector or profession.

Third, we identify skills gaps and emerging opportunities in the labour market and develop programmes that bridge these gaps. For example, WSG’s Career Conversion Programme (CCP) helps employers reskill mid-career new hires or existing employees into growth job roles, offering salary support of up to 90 per cent. Employers can shape the training under the CCP, which has seen nearly 90 per cent of participants remaining in employment after 24 months.

Fourth, we encourage individuals to proactively manage their career health, including making thoughtful training choices. Tools like the Careers and Skills Passport and CareersFinder help learners explore career pathways, while skills and training advisory services and career coaches guide individuals in identifying relevant skills they need.

No training or certification can guarantee a job or pay raise, as employers will consider other factors, including fit, attitude and disposition. But training that deepens expertise or broadens versatility can increase individuals’ value to employers over time.

For training to yield results, the training and workforce ecosystem must work together to provide high-quality training, enable proactive employer involvement to steer training, adopt skills-first hiring and workforce development practices, and equip individuals to make thoughtful career and training choices.  

Pao Jia Yu
Deputy Chief Executive (Planning)
SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore