| Abstract | This qualitative, descriptive study examines the influence of career development practitioner (CDP) skill policies, training, and practices within Singapore’s career development landscape. Focusing on Workforce Singapore’s Career Development Framework (WSG CDF), established in 2018, the study draws comparisons with renowned international frameworks. It examines how CDPs from public, private, and union sectors perceive the relevance and alignment of existing skill policies with their professional roles, practice requirements, and workplace demands. Findings gathered from 15 semi-structured interviews reveal that CDPs train under both legacy and contemporary training programs—including the National Career Development Association’s Facilitating Career Development training program, the Workforce Skills Qualifications’ Advanced Certificate in Career Development Facilitation/Global Career Development Facilitator Singapore, and the more recent WSG Career Facilitation Program. The study investigates how these programs are applied and valued across various career service settings. Our findings indicate notable disparities in skill perceptions, the underutilization of skills, and a misalignment between policy goals and actual career development practices. The participants express concerns about the effectiveness and verification of skill utilization in delivering meaningful outcomes for clients, citing poor alignment with overarching policy objectives. Thematic analysis reveals systemic shortcomings in the ability of workplaces to assess skill utilization and integrate CDP skills effectively, raising critical questions about policy effectiveness, the purpose of credentialing, and the evolving professional identity of CDPs. Overall, this study contributes to the limited literature on career development policy in Singapore, emphasizing the need for cohesive alignment between policy and practice. Recommendations include improving skill utilization, implementing internationally recognized quality assurance practices and systems, and fostering international collaboration to support the development of a sustainable CDP ecosystem. |
