7/08 - TVET Leads Industry

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So far we have seen cases where the industry leads TVET’s progress, but what if it can’t or are not ready to do so?

When facing a situation where the nation requires TVET to progress but the industry remains complacent at a lower maturity level, TVET's role ideally shifts from merely following industry requirements to actively leading and stimulating industrial innovation and advancement. Here are key actions TVET can undertake in such scenarios:

1. Driving Innovation: TVET can introduce cutting-edge skills and technologies even if current industry standards do not demand them, thereby preparing a workforce that can innovate and potentially elevate industry standards themselves.

2. Fostering Partnerships: By forging stronger links with higher education institutions, research bodies, and international industries, TVET can bring new ideas and practices that challenge local industry norms and encourage growth.

3. Policy Advocacy: TVET leaders can work with government agencies to shape policies that encourage industries to adopt more advanced technologies and practices, aligning incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or new regulations to promote industrial growth.

4. Public Awareness and Training Programs: Initiating public awareness campaigns and offering training programs that highlight the benefits of industry advancement—such as increased efficiency, higher product quality, and access to new markets—can create demand from within the workforce and consumer base, pressuring industries to evolve.

In this way, TVET doesn't just adapt to industry needs; it can actively lead and inspire change, pushing industries toward higher levels of maturity even when they are initially resistant. This proactive approach not only prepares a future-ready workforce but also contributes to broader economic development and competitiveness.

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Several nations exemplify the scenario where TVET systems have taken a leading role in pushing industries towards higher levels of maturity, despite initial complacency or slower industrial development. Two notable examples are South Korea and Singapore:

1. South Korea: Historically, South Korea's rapid economic transformation, known as the "Miracle on the Han River," was significantly supported by aggressive education policies, including vocational training. During the 1960s and 1970s, while many of its industries were still developing, South Korea invested heavily in TVET. This proactive approach in enhancing the skills of its workforce enabled the country to quickly transition from light industries to more advanced technologies and heavy industries. TVET played a critical role in preparing a technically skilled workforce that could meet the demands of emerging sectors like electronics and automotive, thus driving industrial growth.

2. Singapore: Singapore’s approach to TVET has always been highly strategic, aligning closely with its national economic goals. The Singaporean government has consistently used TVET not just to respond to current industry needs but also to anticipate future economic directions. Initiatives like the SkillsFuture program launched in 2015 are designed to continuously upgrade the skills of the workforce, fostering an environment of lifelong learning and readiness for industries not just of today but those emerging in the future. This foresight and investment in advanced training have helped propel Singapore’s industries forward, particularly in sectors like biotech, fintech, and advanced manufacturing.

In both cases, TVET did not merely adapt to existing industry standards but played an instrumental role in catalyzing industrial advancement and economic growth, demonstrating how strategic vocational education and training can effectively lead rather than follow industrial development.

Thank you for your time ❤️