Simpler Language in Skills Training Course Materials to Cater to Older Workers

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) whether skills training course materials are vetted for plain and simple language so as to keep courses as open as possible to older workers with limited language skills.

SSG has a quality assurance system in place to ensure that the development and delivery of WSQ courses and the assessment of trainees meet required standards. SSG also conducts regular audits to ensure that the accredited training providers continue to have robust systems in place to deliver quality training.

Having said that, while SSG regulates the skills standards, how the lessons are conducted and what training materials to use, are the responsibility of training providers. Such an approach allows more scope for innovation and differentiation in training products, and more market competition. Some methods that training providers have employed include the use of simple phrases in the course materials, oral assessments, pictures, videos and/or demonstrations to illustrate certain concepts. Training providers are also encouraged to contextualise their courses to meet their learners’ needs.

In addition, given that basic literacy and numeracy skills are critical for employability, SSG has worked with training providers to develop the Workplace Literacy and Workplace Numeracy programmes under the WSQ system. Workers who face language barriers can better equip themselves through such training to undertake the wider range of training opportunities, and better apply their skills in the workplace.