Classification framework for SkillsFuture courses

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Mark Lee, Nominated Member of Parliament

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry will consider a classification framework for SkillsFuture courses, featuring a dual-index system with (i) a Mobility Index to assess the potential for career advancement of these skills within and across industries and (ii) an Industry Heat Index to gauge hiring trends in booming sectors; and (b) if so, whether the Ministry can collaborate with trade associations to ensure these indices accurately reflect industry demands, and integrate it into the MySkillsFuture portal for users to make informed choices.

Response

1.Mr Speaker, SSG works closely with industry partners, such as Queen Bee Companies, Trade Associations and professional bodies, to analyse and look at market trends in high-growth sectors and translate the information into jobs and skills insights. These are published regularly so that individuals can make use of the information. For example, the annual Skills Demand for the Future Economy report identifies priority skills for the Green, Digital and Care economies. In relation to the Member's suggestion of a Mobility Index, the skills demand for future economy report provides information on career transition pathways to help individuals with relevant skills pivot to job roles in these growth sectors. Information on hiring demand for these priority skills, in terms of the number of job postings and types of jobs that require these skills, is also provided within the report and as an accompanying Jobs Skills Dashboard, which is similar in intent to the Member's suggestion of an Industry Heat Index.

2.We welcome partnerships with the industry and trade associations, including the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), to further improve the signposting of SkillsFuture courses to those seeking to upskill.