National Workplace Learning Certification - A new recognition for companies with good workplace learning processes and capabilities

The National Workplace Learning Certification, developed by the National Centre of Excellence for Workplace Learning (NACE), was launched by Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Education at the Mandai MRT Depot today. The new certification aims to help Singapore-based companies put in place progressive workplace learning practices and capabilities, and through this, enhance their workforce performance and improve retention rates. NACE is led by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).

Certification And Assessment Process

The National Workplace Learning Certification helps companies work towards identifying and closing gaps in their workplace learning processes and capabilities. NACE will provide interested companies with free consultation to help them improve their workplace learning systems and work towards certification after their initial self-evaluation. Upon successful application by companies for certification, NACE, in partnership with the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC), will conduct site visits to assess the companies’ workplace learning culture, capabilities and efforts. The certification cost, payable to NACE, starts from $2,800.

The certification assessment of companies uses the National Workplace Learning Framework, which was developed in January 2020 in consultation with industry. With reference to the German and Swiss models for workplace learning, the National Workplace Learning Framework covers six components that are critical for workplace learning excellence – Strategy, Leadership, Planning, Training Needs Analysis, Environment, and Implementation & Processes. More information on the National Workplace Learning Framework can be found in NACE Annex A.

An Award Committee, comprising industry leaders, has been set up to review and approve the assessment recommendations from NACE and SGC. More details on the certification process, Award Committee and certification costs can be found in NACE Annex B.

Four certification levels can be awarded to companies upon passing the assessment:
a) Workplace Learning Organisation of Competence; 
b) Workplace Learning Organisation of Competence (Silver); 
c) Workplace Learning Organisation of Competence (Gold); or
d) Workplace Learning Organisation of Excellence (Platinum). 

More information on the certification levels can be found in NACE Annex C. 

Certified companies will be nominated by SSG for the Human Capital Partnership (HCP) Programme, which accords organisations with a faster response and higher service standards from a dedicated hotline for transactions with the Ministry of Manpower. The certification will also be considered favourably for the SkillsFuture Employer Award, which honours exemplary organisations that champion employees’ skills development and build a lifelong learning culture at the workplace. SSG is also exploring the use of the National Workplace Learning Certification as a validation of quality workplace learning capabilities for in-house training supported by SSG. More details will be announced later.

Mr Ong Tze-Ch’in, Chief Executive, SkillsFuture Singapore and Chairperson, NACE Steering Committee said: “SkillsFuture Singapore recognises that a significant amount of learning for working adults takes place at the workplace. Structured workplace learning processes and capabilities are thus essential in expanding and enhancing opportunities for Singaporeans to upskill themselves. The National Workplace Learning Certification provides a useful reference for companies to benchmark their workplace learning capabilities and serves as nudge for companies to aim for a higher level of workplace learning.”

SMRT has been working with NACE to implement structures, programmes and certifications to support its workplace learning efforts. Mr Neo Kian Hong, Group Chief Executive Officer, SMRT Corporation said: “In SMRT, we are working hard to ensure that our staff are well trained with continuous upgrading, so that we can provide safe and reliable public transport service. We are very happy to work with NACE for the certification. We hope to ensure that our people are employed and employable and are proud to serve with industry-relevant skills.”

Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & CEO of NYP, which heads NACE, said: “A corporate culture that supports continuous learning at work and ensures employees are supported in their learning is best positioned to manage the challenges transformational change often brings. Such a culture would embrace and address the learning needs of employees, and provide a variety of workplace learning opportunities, platforms and resources to support the application of learning.” 

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