Vocational Education and Training in Singapore

The structure of postsecondary VET in Singapore is very straightforward with two institutions: the Institute of Technical Education, which offers mainly certificate and higher certificate level vocational training, and the polytechnics, which offer diploma level para-professional training, advanced and specialist diplomas. The system is designed to be highly porous with multiple upward pathways for students to continue their training and education all the way to university. The government is the main provider of training and education. However, the institutions are relatively autonomous and governed by boards whose members are appointed by the government. The institutions not only offer the programs but are also authorized to award their own qualifications, meaning they both set and execute the national standards of training and education, much like a university. The participation rate in postsecondary vocational education and training is comparatively high at 65% of school leavers, with all entrants having at least 10 years of schooling before entering VET. The facilities and learning environments are modern and continually upgraded. The institutions and industry cocreate the programs, so there are very close links with industry. Through its various economic and workforce agencies, the government actively involves the private sector in transforming and restructuring industry, and the training institutions are a key component in this effort. Therefore, the constant and rapid change in the employment market is a fundamental challenge to the VET institutions in terms of faculty readiness, curriculum change, and facilities upgrading.