I-Ready Brunei: Transforming Education With Personalized Learning

i-Ready is a 3-year apprenticeship scheme in Brunei Darussalam that aims to improve the marketability of unemployed graduates by giving them the opportunity to be attached to various industries in both the public and private sectors. The programme provides a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum period of 3 years. While it has been successful in helping graduates find employment, there have been concerns about companies abusing the programme for financial gain and not offering full-time employment to apprentices.

i-Ready scheme: pros and cons

The i-Ready scheme is an adaptive learning tool that allows teachers, administrators, and parents to identify deficiencies in a student's performance and growth. The program assesses students to determine their current level of performance and growth, and then provides default personalized lessons for students. Teachers can also assign lessons related to what is being covered in class or an individual learning goal. Students can also track their progress and earn points to play games. The program covers a wide range of grade levels, from kindergarten to high school, and can be used offline.

Pros

• The program is flexible and can be adjusted to a student's current level of growth, effectively driving instruction.
• It provides teachers with data to identify and address academic deficiencies in individual students, classrooms, schools, or districts.
• Students can track their progress and earn points to play games, which can motivate them to continue working.
• The program's content is built directly for the Common Core Standards, so teachers can feel confident that there is a critical eye in the classroom, monitoring and adapting to the needs of each child.
• It can be used offline, with ready-made lessons to address skills being focused on in class.

Cons

• The program can be time-consuming, taking up instructional time that teachers could use for lesson plans.
• The cartoon tutorials have been described as "babyish" and may not engage older students.
• There may be a lack of transparency in how the data is being used to improve teaching and learning.
• The diagnostics may be too long and give a slightly inaccurate picture of student academic status due to the length affecting student attention span.
• The program may not be suitable for all students, as some may find the format confusing or monotonous.
• The cost of the program and training may be prohibitive for some institutions.

i-Ready: allowance and payment

I-Ready is a 3-year apprenticeship programme in Brunei Darussalam, designed to give unemployed graduates with little to no work experience the opportunity to be attached to various industries in both the public and private sectors. The programme is open to citizens and permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam.

Allowance and Payment

The Brunei Government provides a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum period of 3 years. This allowance is paid by the JobCentre Brunei (JCB). The host organisation (company) has the option to offer additional allowances and to permanently employ the apprentice at any time.

Some companies have been known to offer extra allowances, with one company increasing the allowance to $1000. However, there have been reports of late payments and underpayments, with some apprentices receiving only $400 for the first 10 months, and the remaining $400 paid out after this period.

Contributions are also made towards the graduate's Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and Supplemental Contributory Pension (SCP).

i-Ready: job security

I-Ready is a 3-year apprenticeship programme in Brunei Darussalam, designed to help unemployed graduates gain work experience in various industries in both the public and private sectors. The programme provides a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum period of 3 years. While the programme has been praised for providing graduates with valuable work experience and improving their marketability, there have also been concerns about companies taking advantage of the programme for financial gain, with some graduates reporting feelings of being exploited or used as free labour.

One of the main concerns regarding i-Ready is the lack of job security it offers. As an apprentice, you are expected to perform the same workload as a full-time employee but without the same benefits and compensation. While the host organisation has the option to permanently employ the apprentice at any time, there is no guarantee of a permanent position. Some companies have been accused of using i-Ready apprentices as a source of "free" labour, with no intention of offering permanent employment. This has led to concerns about the potential for exploitation and the unfair treatment of apprentices.

However, it is important to note that the i-Ready programme is not mandatory, and graduates can choose to seek other employment opportunities if they feel they are being taken advantage of. The programme does provide a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain work experience and improve their employability, even if it is not a permanent position. For those who are struggling to find employment, i-Ready can be a stepping stone to gain experience and potentially transition to a full-time role, either with the host organisation or another company.

To address the concerns about job security and exploitation, the Brunei government and the Manpower Policy and Planning Unit (MPPU) should take steps to ensure that host organisations are properly evaluated and monitored. Strict guidelines and consequences for non-compliance should be implemented to prevent companies from abusing the programme. Additionally, providing apprentices with more protection and support, such as guaranteed benefits and the right to leave without penalty if they feel exploited, could improve job security and ensure a positive experience for participants.

Overall, while the i-Ready programme has good intentions, there are valid concerns about job security and the potential for exploitation. By addressing these issues and providing better support for apprentices, the programme can become a more effective tool for improving graduate employability in Brunei Darussalam.

i-Ready: application process

The i-Ready programme is a 3-year apprenticeship scheme that aims to give unemployed graduates with little to no work experience the opportunity to be attached to various industries in both the public and private sectors. The programme is open to citizens of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Permanent Residents of Brunei Darussalam.

To apply for the i-Ready programme, unemployed graduates (degree and above) must first register with the JobCentre Brunei System. Applicants can register through the JobCentre Brunei website. Once registered, applicants will go through a selection process and, if shortlisted, will be interviewed by the organisation and the Manpower Policy and Planning Unit (MPPU).

The i-Ready programme is monitored by the respective host organisation to ensure the apprentice's development meets industry needs. The host organisation also has the option to permanently employ the apprentice at any time. Throughout the programme, the Brunei Government provides a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum period of 3 years.

i-Ready: employer expectations

The i-Ready programme is a 3-year apprenticeship scheme in Brunei Darussalam, designed to give unemployed graduates with little to no work experience an opportunity to gain exposure in various industries in both the public and private sectors.

Host Organisation's Expectations

The host organisation or company is expected to monitor the apprentice's development to ensure it meets industry needs. They also have the option to permanently employ the apprentice at any time.

Workload

I-Ready apprentices can expect to perform the same amount of work as a contracted employee. One former i-Ready apprentice shared that they were expected to keep up with their colleagues in terms of workload, but their colleagues were very helpful.

Remuneration

The Brunei Government provides a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum period of 3 years. Some companies may choose to offer additional allowances or benefits on top of this basic allowance. For example, one i-Ready apprentice shared that their company provided extra allowance for mobile usage, while another received additional payments for overtime work and revenue-generating projects.

Contractual Obligations

I-Ready apprentices are expected to commit for the long term, usually a minimum of 18 months, as it is considered an "apprenticeship" on paper. The contract can be terminated by either party with one month's notice, and the apprentice may be fired at any time if the employer feels they are not up to standard.

Performance Review

The host organisation is responsible for conducting performance reviews with the apprentice. For example, one i-Ready apprentice mentioned having to sit down with their supervisor for a 3-month review and send a report back to the JobCentre.

Opportunities for Growth and Development

While the primary objective of the i-Ready programme is to provide work experience, some companies may offer additional training opportunities to apprentices. For example, one i-Ready apprentice shared that their company sent them for several training programmes, both locally and abroad.

Work Culture and Environment

The work culture and environment can vary significantly depending on the company. Some i-Ready apprentices have reported positive experiences, with helpful colleagues and a good work environment, while others have shared stories of being overworked and taken advantage of by their employers.

In conclusion, while the i-Ready programme provides a valuable opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain work experience and potentially secure permanent employment, it is important for apprentices to be aware of their rights and not be afraid to leave for greener pastures if they feel they are being taken advantage of.

Frequently asked questions