What is National CET Insititute (NCI)?
1. The National CET Institute (NCI) is a pinnacle status conferred by WDA to qualified Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) CET Centres that demonstrate high quality delivery, and commitment to support workforce development programmes in the WSQ sector(s) which it serves.
2. Under the National Continuing Education & Training (CET) Masterplan, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) is committed to establish a high quality and sustainable CET infrastructure to support our workforce’s lifelong learning and skills upgrading. WDA does so by partnering industry and training providers to offer relevant and quality programmes that meet sectoral needs.
What is the role of a NCI?
3. NCIs will have expanded obligations and privileges compared to the CET Centre(s). They are expected to spearhead in their respective WSQ sector(s):
- adoption of innovative methods of adult training
- quick response to skills gaps and shortages
- provision of a holistic solution to workforce development initiatives, such as market signalling, profiling, career counselling, training, assessment, placement and post-placement services.
4. Being at the top of the hierarchy, NCIs are standard bearers that serve as role models for other approved training organisations (ATOs) to emulate. WDA hopes to inculcate a sustainable continuous improvement culture amongst the WSQ providers by motivating them to work towards this recognition. The rigour and quality of the national CET outcomes will in turn be enhanced as the training providers strive towards excellence.
Three CET centres accredited with NCI status
5. The pioneer batch of the NCI status will be conferred on the following three CET Centres for the sector which it serves:
- At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy (At- Sunrice) / Food & Beverage WSQ
On top of the strong and grounded adult education philosophy shaped by its strong management team, At-Sunrice has a unique training design about east and west kitchen. Also, the organisation is instrumental in transforming and building up the image of chefs as a profession.
- Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology (CUGE) / Landscape WSQ
CUGE is well positioned to know first-hand information on the development and needs of the landscape industry, due to its close association and connections with the industry and its practitioners. In addition, it has a leading reputation as regional hub for the facilitation of exchange of ideas, expertise and experience amongst industry professionals
- Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS) / Tourism WSQ
Due to its ability to create a close nexus with the ground and industry associations, TMIS has precise knowledge of the industry and training needs. Moreover, the organisation has a strong ability to respond swiftly to the urgent industry training needs through the creation of new courses, including a range of customised programme offerings covering tour and travel services, attractions and tourism.
How to become a NCI?
6. An evaluation system is used by WDA to assess NCI nominations in the following key areas:
- Provision of WSQ programmes and services
- Ability to achieve outcomes
- Organisation excellence
7. The NCI status conferred on selected CET Centre(s) is subject to approval by WDA Board and is valid for three years from date of conferment. Renewal of status is subject to the outcomes of the annual CIR audits and the ability to meet all the requirements.
