SOLS Foundation has launched the TVET (Technical & Vocational Education and Training) Academy Programme in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
The Ministry of Youth & Sports serves as the implementation partner for this initiative, which aims to uplift B40 (Bottom 40%) TVET students by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to secure suitable employment, advance in their careers, and achieve middle-class outcomes.
The TVET Academy Programme is designed to support final year students in developing job readiness, life skills, and professional competencies. The programme also offers job placement support to ensure a smooth transition from studies to employment. By focusing on foundational skills, knowledge, and sustainable employment, the programme sets the stage for students to attain middle-class economic stability in the future. AWS’s sponsorship of this program will help 103 students from 3 TVET Institutes to complete the 7 months end-to-end implementation of TVET Academy.
“SOLS Foundation is committed to transforming lives through education and skills development. The TVET Academy Programme represents a significant step towards empowering B40 students, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in the modern workforce,” said Danutcha Catriona Singh, Managing Director of SOLS Foundation. “A heartfelt thank you to AWS and the Ministry of Youth & Sports, for their invaluable support in making this initiative possible.”
The programme provides comprehensive support to help students excel in their final projects and make a smooth transition from academia to the workplace. By offering guidance and resources tailored to the students’ specific needs, the programme helps them navigate the challenges of entering the job market. This support is designed to enable students to progress economically and position themselves towards achieving middle-class status, fostering long-term career growth and stability.
Upon mastering the skills taught in the programme, students are awarded SOLS certificates for each area of expertise. These certificates serve as official recognition of their achievements and can be a valuable addition to their professional portfolios. The certification process validates the students’ skills and knowledge, providing them with tangible proof of their capabilities that can be showcased to potential employers.
Participating TVET institutions can gain a competitive edge by showcasing graduates who have earned up-skilling bronze medals in areas such as Digital Skills, English Language, and Professionalism. These medal-winning students are well-prepared and highly skilled, enhancing the reputation of the institutions they represent. This competitive advantage positions the institutions favourably in the labour market, attracting potential employers and collaborators who are looking for top-tier talent.
Offering high-impact upskilling programmes through the TVET Academy Programme increases the appeal of participating institutions to prospective students. The promise of receiving comprehensive training, support, and certification in critical skill areas makes these institutions more attractive to new students seeking to enhance their employability and career prospects. This increased attractiveness can lead to higher enrolment rates and a more vibrant student community.
The programme includes long-term follow-up (12-18 months) on the progress of target students. This feature provides institutions with valuable insights into the effectiveness of their training programmes and the career trajectories of their graduates. By tracking student outcomes over an extended period, TVET institutions can continuously improve their educational offerings and demonstrate the long-term impact of their programmes to stakeholders, including potential students, employers, and funding bodies.