The SkillsFuture Credit scheme was used mostly by older workers looking to upskill, according to the latest report by SkillsFuture Singapore
According to the latest report released by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), more than 100,000 Singaporeans took advantage of the SkillsFuture Credit scheme since it was introduced in January of last year.
Roughly 63% of those that used the credit scheme were older workers aged 40 and above to hone their computer skills, said the report.
But the report also noted that information and communications technology (ICT) courses were the most popular across the board with older Singaporeans learning about basic computer skills “while younger Singaporeans enrolled for courses on emerging skills such as data analytics,” said The Straits Times.
Following ICT courses, many Singaporeans also took courses on language skills, productivity and innovation, as well as security and investigation.
Additionally, more than 30% of those who took advantage of the initiative used it more than once, they said.
Kelvin Seah, economics lecturer at National University Singapore, said the figures were encouraging.
“It signals that people are receptive to acquiring new skills and knowledge that could potentially help them perform better in their existing and future jobs."
The SkillsFuture Credits scheme gives Singaporeans aged 25 and older a $500 credit to pay for skills courses of their choosing. These credits do not expire and can be topped up for use in more expensive courses.
‘No gimmicks’
Meanwhile, SSG also reminded training providers to not use publicity gimmicks such as lucky draws and free gifts when promoting their programmes.
Instead, they should clearly explain how training fees can be offset by full or partial credits and subsidies, said SSG as part of their newly-released publicity guidelines.
“The guidelines will ensure that training providers do not request confidential information such as SingPass, and that they do not cause confusion to the public," they said.