Watch to Learn How to Move Hiring Beyond Diplomas vs Degree Holders!
When the time comes that an academic is saying employers need to stop prizing degrees and focus on skills instead, perhaps it’s time for the Singapore job market to start listening.
In a column hosted on Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) website, Adjunct Associate Professor Abel Ang shared statistics by the Ministry of Education on how among Singaporeans aged 25 years and over in 2020, 48 per cent attained diplomas, degrees, and professional qualifications, up from 37 per cent in 2010.
Over the decade, this works out to about 400,000 more Singaporean residents who attained diplomas and degrees since 2010.
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“This statistic shows that many still see the degree or diploma as the route to a better job, and eventually a better life”, he wrote.
He added that local employers are not helping the situation, citing an example of a local construction company creating controversy when it posted a job advertisement seeking to recruit a driver for its heavy vehicles, and required a bachelor’s degree for the role.
“Given the circumstances, it is absolutely natural for jobseekers to chase qualifications, as they seek to improve their chances for better jobs”, Professor Ang said.
“This situation will likely continue unabated until employers change the way they select and hire people for their organisations!”
In another conversation with Harvard Business School professor Joseph Fuller at Workforce Singapore’s Career Health Summit, we delved deeper into the topic.
He shares insights on why local employers are missing out on potential talent and revenue when their hiring policies don’t match with the skillsets needed for their job vacancies, and why local workers should trust in their skills – rather than just relying solely on their academic credentials – to enhance their employability.
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