New skills-first framework urges employers to hire and promote on skills, not just degrees
· Keith Kwai
The Institute for Adult Learning launched the Skills-First Framework for Action on 19 October, proposing 12 pilot initiatives to help employers identify, develop and make better use of workers’ skills, including redesigning jobs and hiring around the skills needed and prompting workers to review their skills and career goals regularly. Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau said past job titles and qualifications show where a person has been more than what they can do next. The framework was co-written with the Skills and Workforce Development Agency, NTUC, the Singapore Business Federation, SNEF and SUSS, and IAL will set up an observatory to track how well these practices work.
The framework was co-developed with SWDA, and WorkRightSG, a sister site, summarises the Skills and Workforce Development Agency’s latest initiatives.
Source: The Straits Times, 19 Oct 2026 — Read the original