IBM launches P-TECH in Singapore for ICT and STEM disciplines

The education model provides jobs exposure to ICT and STEM disciplines.

IBM launched the Pathways in Technology Early College High-Schools (P-TECH) School Model in Singapore in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic.

According to an announcement, Singapore is the first ASEAN country to launch P-TECH, and the fifth globally, after implementations in the United States, Morocco, Australia, and Taiwan. This education model provides ITE students early exposure to jobs in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

“They will be equipped with the necessary skills for competitive ‘new collar’ careers, and will be supported by IBM and the participating institutions as they progress from ITE to pursue their Polytechnic Diplomas or ITE Work- Learn Technical Diplomas (WLTDs) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) / STEM sectors,” IBM said.

IBM will also work with ITE to launch at least one WLTD in the ICT sector, with the involvement of other companies. Industries will provide a range of experiences that include mentorship and internships, along with “first in line” job opportunities.

“P-TECH is strongly aligned with the Singapore Government’s call for a shift in emphasis from paper qualifications, towards recognizing skills and contributions to society,” IMB said. “At the same time, this model and its growing ecosystem will help tackle new workforce challenges in Singapore, increasing the pool of skilled talents as companies across sectors ramp up their digital transformation efforts.”

IBM started the P-TECH model in 2011, in Brooklyn, New York. Since that time, the model has grown to more than 90 P-TECH schools across the US and other countries, with more than 450 businesses are participating in the model.