Skills Framework for Design launched for existing and to-be designers in Singapore

A Skills Framework for Design was launched today, in efforts to equip designers with relevant industry skills as well as enable those entering the design field to develop the relevant skills and competencies.

This launch was officiated by Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural Design Conversations 2019.

In a press release, the DesignSingapore Council (Dsg), SkillsFuture Singapore, and Workforce Singapore, who jointly developed the national resource, called it an "integral part of the Industry Transformation Map for Professional Services."

Further, speaking on the role of this workforce in driving innovation in Singapore, Minister Chan said having a skilled workforce would help unlock new opportunities, in order for Singapore to remain resilient against changing economic demands.

He added: "Designers and professionals from other sectors can now tap (on) the Skills Framework to chart rewarding careers. This will help us grow a design-empowered workforce and build a robust, innovation-driven economy."

About the Skills Framework for Design

The Skills Framework for Design covers 25 job roles across the tracks of design, innovation, business and technology. It also includes 18 generic skills and competencies, and 48 technical skills and competencies. For instance, business model innovation, user experience design, and design thinking practice.

How it would benefit employers

With this framework, employers will be able to better identify the relevant skills needed in the industry, and thus be better informed on investing in employee training to maintain a strong talent pool.

As of today, seven organisations have committed to adopting this framework - They include the Dsg, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, METHODOLOGY, PALO IT, Foolproof, Aleph, and STUCK.

How it would benefit individuals

The framework is made up of key sector information, career pathways, job roles, existing and emerging skills, as well as relevant training programmes required for these job roles. "It promotes skills mastery and lifelong learning to support the creation of a design-empowered workforce for an innovation-driven economy," the press release added.

With such information, existing designers would be able to learn more about deepening and broadening their skillsets, while non-designers who wish to pick up design-related skills would gain knowledge too.

The Design Industry Manpower Plan (Design 2025)

The Skills Framework for Design is part of the Dsg's 10-year Design Industry Manpower Plan, launched in 2015, which aims to help designers develop trans-disciplinary skillsets and build a workforce with design sensibilities.

This plan covers aspects in general education, pre-employment training, continuing education and training, and more.

Read more about the Design Industry Manpower Plan here.

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