The move is aimed at creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, higher education, reskilling and international certifications of the candidates.
“This will move the skilling ecosystem from an input-based compliance model to a quality-driven, industry-led and outcomes-focused framework that emphasises learner progression and measurable employment outcomes,” said a senior government official, who did not wish to be identified.
The new selection criteria came into effect from July 15 and replaced the existing model, which focused largely on scheme-specific training centres and short-term infrastructure compliance.
These centres have been mandated to provide counselling, mentorship and career-coaching support, and offer reskilling and upskilling pathways for lifelong learning for the candidates.
Besides, they are expected to track post-training outcomes and undertake internal monitoring, stakeholder-feedback analysis and periodic performance review for continuous quality improvement.