Netherlands Raising Pay for Primary School Teachers
Dutch primary school teachers will get a raise to match their salaries with colleagues teaching at the secondary level. The government’s plan to give primary school teachers 10 percent pay bumps is the biggest part of a €1.5 billion (about $1.6 million) spending package worked out with teachers unions that will also reduce teachers’ workloads and implement measures to help students who have fallen behind during the pandemic to catch up. Read more at dutchnews.nl.
Singapore Outlines Workforce Competitiveness Priorities
SkillsFuture Singapore, an initiative supporting lifelong learning for all Singaporeans, will prioritize helping small and medium-sized companies communicate their skill training needs to education and training providers. These smaller companies employ about 70 percent of Singapore’s workforce. Speaking at a conference last week, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said that it is not enough to “rely on the annual pipeline of fresh graduates to meet our industry needs for emerging skills.” Singapore, he argued, needs to do more to ensure the incumbent workforce has the skills needed to compete in a global economy. Noting that adult learners do not want to return to a traditional classroom, Chan said more learning should take place in the workplace where it is most authentic and relevant. He also suggested that post-secondary faculty would benefit from “staff exchanges” with industry to help stay up to date on the latest industry practices. Read more at The Straits Times.
Korea’s Education Ministry Plans Pandemic Recovery Supports
The Education Ministry in Korea announced plans to invest 600 billion won (US$493 million) in academic and psychological support for students as part of its pandemic education recovery. Teachers will offer extra classes in mathematics, English, and other subjects to small groups of students after school or during semester breaks. The government will also hire more teachers so they can provide students with more attention. In addition, the ministry will connect schools with psychiatrist services so students can attend virtual or in-person sessions, as needed. Read more in The Korea Herald.
Reforms to Post-Secondary Education and Training System in England
England has passed a law designed to strengthen the job training system, building on efforts already underway to boost skills and get more people into better jobs. The Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 supports skills training efforts in targeted industries such as health and social care, engineering, digital, clean energy and manufacturing, and prioritizes job training focused on the growing “green” economy. The law also requires colleges and other education and training providers to work directly with employers to ensure that offerings meet local industry needs and that all students learn about the full range of technical training options available to them. Minister for Skills Alex Burghart said, “This legislation will make sure everyone can gain the skills they need to progress into a rewarding job, and businesses can have access to a pipeline of talented, qualified employees.” The Act follows the 2021 publication of the government’s Skills for Jobs white paper which provided a blueprint for reforms. Read the press release here.
