The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has tied up with the Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and the Temasek Foundation International to establish state-of-the-art trainer and assessor academies across the country. The NSDC says the step aims to meet the rising demand for trainers and assessors in India’s skill development ecosystem.

The partnership with SP and Temasek on a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programme aims to build capabilities of 300 education leaders and specialists who will establish and manage these academies across India. The programme is supported by the Temasek Foundation International with a grant of S$502,955.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NSDC and SP is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore from 31 May to 2 June, 2018. The engagement is in line with the larger collaboration planned between India and Singapore on skill development.

Singapore Polytechnic will work closely with the NSDC to develop a TVET Guideline and Quality Assurance Framework for the trainer and assessor academies to be set up in India. The participating institutions will utilise the guidelines to conceptualise the systems and processes for the academies. When the trainer and assessor academies are in place, the jointly developed Quality Assurance Framework will shape how these academies are reviewed in terms of performance.

Speaking on the partnership, Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, NSDC, said, “There is an urgent need for quality trainers and assessors across different sectors in India. To fulfil this requirement, we are happy to collaborate with Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Foundation International. This will help us develop best in class framework for vocational training and quality assurance in India and will further help in scaling-up various initiatives under Skill India mission.”

Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation International, said, “In many communities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) forms a major component of the overall education system and helps to build a competent and skilled workforce ready to meet industry needs. As part of this collaboration, participants will be able to exchange experiences and challenges on TVET standards, frameworks and curriculum, and learn from each other.”

The Singapore-based Temasek Foundation International is a non-profit philanthropic organisation that funds and supports programmes that aim to build capabilities with programme partners in Asia and beyond. These programmes enable human and social capital development, contributing towards a more vibrant and connected global community, with positive networks of cooperation. The programmes also aim to enhance capabilities in the areas of health care, education, public administration, urban management and disaster-response.

Soh Wai Wah, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Polytechnic, said, “As Singapore’s first polytechnic, we have established a track record of providing quality training and building skillsets. We are heartened by the opportunity to collaborate with NSDC where we are able to bring our expertise offshore and contribute towards the development of capabilities in India. We look forward to a fruitful and successful partnership.”

Established in 1954 to meet the manpower needs identified by the government, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is the city-state’s first polytechnic. Its 10 academic schools offer 46 full-time diploma courses for its 14,298 students.