By 
The workforce is increasing around the globe. The number of women between 15-64 years old working or seeking work has increased worldwide in the last five years.
Employers across the world report skills shortages in a variety of industries despite this growth. According to Hays Global Skills Index, skilled migration is at a record high. However, digitization raises questions about who and how will perform tomorrow’s work.
In the next 10-20 years, almost half of all jobs will be automated. This is especially true in manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and office support industries. AI, machine learning, and IoT are becoming more common in professional environments. Professionals must have the right skills to adapt to these changes.
To address the growing shortage of skills in the workforce, the government is creating programs that link education with business. This will help to develop the workers of the future.
SkillsFuture – Singapore
SkillsFuture has the tagline “Realize Your Aspirations” and is committed to providing Singaporeans with the best professional opportunities possible.
This national initiative aims to allow businesses and individuals to continuously improve their skills, regardless of their starting point or knowledge base. SkillsFuture believes that each person’s skills, passion, and contribution will help Singapore move forward in its development toward a thriving, advanced economy and an inclusive society.
SkillsFuture offers tailored programs to professionals at every stage of their career, employers, and training providers. Its e-services encourage people to embrace a lifelong learner’s mindset.
SkillsFuture Credit provides Singaporeans over 25 with an initial credit of S$500. The government will provide periodic top-ups for the course credit, which doesn’t expire.
In 2016, 126,000 Singaporeans took advantage of SkillsFuture Credit to improve their digital careers. This was the first year for this scheme. More than 34 % of applicants have used the system multiple times. SkillsFuture’s learning model has shown positive results. The more people use it; the stronger Singapore becomes as a digital nation.
Tamkeen (Bahrain)
Tamkeen has as its primary goal to improve the skills of Bahrainis so that they become the preferred employees. Tamkeen offers a variety of flexible training options and professional certifications to individuals and businesses through its interactive user portal. This helps drive the future success of Bahrain’s workforce.
Students Guide and support students in making informed choices about their education or career through various schemes involving partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education & Youth & Sports Affairs.
Job Seekers: To give job seekers the basic skills and the ability to obtain professional qualifications to enhance their employability. These programs offer valuable insights into job searching, CV writing, and interview etiquette.
Employees To Support will help professionals upskill to increase their career development or progression through grants and advisory services.
With over 200 programs currently operating and an international collaboration underway with the U.S., Tamkeen will enrich the digital skillsets of learners on both home soil and abroad.
SDS Fund – Scotland
Skills Development Scotland aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
SDS Fund has over 1,200 employees working in schools, career centers, and partner locations across Scotland. They are dedicated to developing skills for individuals and businesses.
SDS offers tailored solutions and advice based on the individual needs of organizations. This gives employees access to services that help them gain confidence and competence in a digitally challenging environment.
The SDS Fund, in partnership with BEMIS, ensures that its commitment to inclusion and diversification is maintained across its diverse programs, courses, and apprenticeships. This is vital for growth, progress, and development.
Results: According to a Progress Report on the SDS Fund, only in 2015 this initiative helped 400 people to understand better and access local services, and training and materials were made available to 272 individuals who needed assistance. As the scheme gains momentum, 2018 is expected to bring significant results.
HRDF – Malaysia
Malaysia’s HRDF, managed by Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad, is leading the way in upskilling and recertifying the nation. The 11th Malaysia Plan has a series of programs to accelerate human capital development in four core areas.
Improve the efficiency of your workforce to boost economic growth
Transforming technical and vocational training to meet the growing demands of the industry
Enhancing skills and personal development through lifelong learning
Improve the quality of education for improved student outcomes and institutional excellence
HRDF, in partnership with the federal government, offers customized educational solutions for nationwide organizations. These include e-learning and industrial training as well as computer-based and coaching-based training.
Result: The HRDF pledged to contribute 35 % of the skilled Malaysian workforce and generate 1,5 million jobs by 2020. With its current initiatives, success is likely.
Springboard Ireland
The government drives Ireland’s educational initiative and offers a selection of 208 intensive, part-time, free conversion courses from certificate level to postgraduate.
Springboard program aims to help close Ireland’s digital skill gap by allowing professionals to gain valuable digital skills directly related to their expertise. This will foster a whole new generation of professionals that can thrive in a digital world that is constantly evolving.
Result: 96% of Springboard graduates would recommend it to other job-seekers, a testament to its value. The blog offers content that helps students keep up with digital developments and practical information on how to use the platform.
Springboard has plenty of opportunities to accelerate Ireland’s digital skill progress. The number of full-time students at the undergraduate level in Ireland increased by ten within a relatively short period.
Comments