ABOUT WSQ
ABOUT THE SINGAPORE WORKFORCE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS (WSQ)
The Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) is a national credential certification and standardisation system that trains, develops and provides assessment for skills and competencies for the workforce. WSQ acts to support SkillsFuture as continuing education and training (CET) system. Among its roles are:
- To promote the recognition of skills and competencies to propel skill progression, mastery and movement;
- To encourage holistic workplace development through the promotion of technical and generic skills and competencies;
- To be a generator of economic growth by professionalising skills and competencies to propel industry transformation, production and innovation; as well as
- To encourage lifelong learning throughout all stages of professionalism.
Under the WSQ system, the training programmes are developed based on skills and competencies validated by employers, unions and professional bodies. This ensures that existing and emerging skills and competencies that are currently in demand are used to inform training and development under WSQ. With the development of the Skills Frameworks* in 2016, WSQ adopts the skills and competencies that are covered in the Skills Frameworks.
The WSQ programmes are funded and quality-assured by SkillsFuture Singapore — the organisation that awards the WSQ certifications.
Key features of WSQ
- Relevant: A competency-based system, designed to develop job role-specific skills and competencies, as well as generic skills and competencies that are required across job roles.
- Accessible: Does not require academic pre-requisites for entry and recognises prior learning, such as work experience and credentials. Available in bite-sized modules leading to the award of a Statement of Attainment, which an individual may acquire leading up to a full WSQ qualification.
- Progressive: Makes available skills and qualification pathways which align to the Skills Framework for the respective sectors.
- Authoritative: Statements of Attainment and qualifications are quality assured and awarded by SkillsFuture Singapore and/or in partnership with established awarding bodies.
Target Group
WSQ benefits all individuals, including employers and training providers. WSQ’s key features benefit those who are seeking to:
- Plan a career and acquire new skills to enter a new sector or job role
- Upgrade skills and advance career
- Provide quality assured and industry-relevant training choices
- Guide training and development planning
- Articulate clear training outcomes
- Develop and deliver training programmes that meet industry needs
- Achieve qualifications and certifications that demonstrate skills sets to employers Guide performance management Obtain mark of recognition as an approved training provider of WSQ
- Obtain portable credentials to improve employability and mobility Strengthen in-house training capabilities
- Assess and certify skills and competencies against industry established work standards Facilitate recruitment of competent staff who are certified and equipped with the required skills and competencies
Quality Assurance
WSQ holds strongly to a strong quality assurance framework. From developing competency standards to accrediting training providers to awarding WSQ qualifications, stringent criteria are applied to ensure best standards and delivery. A structured and efficient system has been established to help build a strong training infrastructure that supports Singapore’s workforce development.
Qualification Levels
In order to create a practical and flexible programme that helps Singapore’s workforce adapt, grow and develop, SkillsFuture has designed for WSQ to contain bite-sized training modules that facilitate learning at an individual’s own pace.
Upon completion of each module, a Statement of Attainment (SOA) is awarded. A full WSQ Qualification can be attained by accumulating relevant SQAs.
WSQ’s qualifications start from the Certificate level (minimum qualification level) up to the WSQ Graduate Diploma, which is the highest level of qualification offered.
As a national credential system, WSQ can be used as a workforce development tool for employers to develop a skilled workforce. This, in turn, will enhance their competitive edge and advance their businesses.
For employers, WSQ can be benefited in the following ways:
– Providing quality assured and industry-relevant training choices
– Guiding training and development planning
– Guiding performance management
– Strengthening in-house training capabilities
– Facilitating the recruitment of competent staff who are certified and equipped with the required skills and competencies.
