New scheme to recognise adult educators by the Institute of Adult Learning

StINGAPORE- For the first time, the Institute of Adult Learning (IAL) will launch a scheme which aims to recognise adult educators in the second quarter of next year.

The voluntary scheme was announced by Mr Ng Cher Pong, chief executive of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) at a graduation ceremony for adult educators at the Lifelong Learning Institute last Friday.

Called the Adult Educators Professionalisation Scheme, adult educators will receive benefits such as training subsidies and networking opportunities. By end 2020, the IAL hopes to reach out to 3,000 adult educators.

There are currently about 5,500 adult educators who are involved in the Continuing Education and Training programmes under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification System.

Mr Ng said that the scheme will provide "due recognition" to adult educators.

"With a structured pathway for career progression, individuals who are keen to develop their careers in training and adult education may also find it more attractive to do so," he added.

Those who participate in the scheme will be recognised as Associate Adult Educators, Specialist Adult Educators or Adult Educator Fellows depending on their experience and track record. The recognition of their expertise will be reviewed yearly.

The scheme will begin in the second quarter of 2015, starting with adult educators who train other adult educators on pedagogical-related skills under the Training and Adult Education sector.

This inclusdes courses such as the Diploma in Adult Continuing Education and Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment and Workplace Trainer Programme.

Adult educators can approach IAL or WDA to register and work towards meeting the IAL requirements.

kcarolyn@sph.com.sg

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