Educational bodies can help firms address skills gaps

I refer to the commentary “Embracing radical transformations in higher education” (July 20). Such transformations are already occurring in Singapore and on the Web, but perhaps not widely.

To develop deep skills in a changing environment, there should be endless learning opportunities, both structured and unstructured, that stem from a learning environment created by academic institutions, professional institutions and employers.

The learning cycle starts with educational institutions providing basic professional skills, knowledge of technical jargon, et cetera, which would be assessed before employers hire the graduates, put them on the job and train them on the job, if resources permit.

After a year or so, employers should work with professional and/or educational bodies to address gaps in knowledge via formal training, which may come in the form of short courses to be done online or in fixed settings.

Employees would then be put back on the job, and the employer can assess the training’s effectiveness and relevance to the job at hand.

There could also be seminars or other sharing sessions at convenient intervals for employees who have special interests or problems to share. Another round of training may be needed or tailored to improve job performance.

The employee would have access not only to mentorship but also networking with a group of like-minded professionals during the training sessions. Changes in regulations affecting the profession may also be dealt with in the training.

This skills cycle would need openness, commitment, integrity, resources and cost management. Employers must identify gaps in skills, send graduates for the necessary training and still pay them during the downtime when they acquire and upgrade their skills.

Graduates should commit to serving their employer after their upskilling and not expect higher salaries immediately. The future is in the hands of employers and employees, with educational and professional institutions assisting in the skills cycle.