Skills development for workers in the global south
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What is the SKY project
SKY[Skills and Knowledge for Youth] HOME What is the SKY project
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THE SKY PROJECT
The Skills and Knowledge for Youth (SKY) Project contributes to the development of skilled human resources which are the foundation ofeconomic growth in developing countries. One of the major impediments to foreign investments is the availability of a quality workforce on site.Is there a sufficient workforce with the necessary skills? What kind of on-the-job training do the workers need? The skills assessment and game-based training program conducted by SKY can help provide concrete answers to these important questions.
Our skills assessment module and game-based training program uniquely developed by utilizing our research expertise honed at Nagoya University offers stakeholders an opportunity to assess whether the implemented technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is providing the workforce with the necessary skills demanded by the related industries. This is achieved by determining whether:
• the actual skills of workers match with the skills expected by employers and trainers.
• there are differences in the workers’ skill expectations of employers and trainers.
• the curricula of training institutions are successful in equipping the workers with skills that are in-demand and relevant to their respective fields of expertise.
Using the data gathered from our training program, we can propose policies and methods to effectively develop the technical and soft skills of workers. This information can:
• help the education and training institutions of developing countries tailor their curricula to the needs of the industries; and
• aid the governments of developing countries in establishing a suitable method for workers’ skills assessment and accurately assess the gaps between the supply and demand of the skilled workforce.
Game-Based Training
We have developed two board games for skills training: Garment Factory Fun 1 and 2. Garment Factory Fun 1 makes use of illustrated cards to model soft skills while Garment Factory Fun 2 simulates factory challenges. These games enable behavior rehearsal and skills transfer. Training participants can explore various roles and problem-solving strategies to overcome challenges and achieve goals which are reflective of real-life workplace situations.
Our games incorporate Behavioral Modeling Training (BMT) elements proven to enhance skills transfer such as rule codes, mental rehearsals, workplace simulation, and social reinforcement. Game rules encode learning goals. Soft skills cards promote the mental practice of soft skills. Game design mirrors the factory setting, and players can receive instant feedback on their progress which enhances motivation.
Skills Assessment Module
Our skills assessment module is composed of questionnaires, and practical and written tests. The questionnaires capture the changes in work-related soft skills such as:
• occupational health and safety (OHS);
• tidiness and cleanliness;
• workplace efficiency;
• product quality control, and
• teamwork.
On the other hand, the written test consists of four parts: reading comprehension, mathematics, integrated application of knowledge, and theories of garment production. SKY’s standardized framework for pre- and post-training assessment enables the evaluation of the changes in the workers’ skills caused by the game-based training intervention.
