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SkillsFuture ‘relevant at various career stages’

SINGAPORE — Reiterating that a strong economy is built on a skilled workforce, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the SkillsFuture movement is not only crucial to Singapore’s current phase of economic development, but enables workers to hold better jobs and earn better pay.

Members of the public attend the SkillsFuture Marketplace roadshow. File photo

Members of the public attend the SkillsFuture Marketplace roadshow. File photo

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SINGAPORE — Reiterating that a strong economy is built on a skilled workforce, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the SkillsFuture movement is not only crucial to Singapore’s current phase of economic development, but enables workers to hold better jobs and earn better pay.

He urged Singaporeans to tap SkillsFuture and keep their skills relevant, citing the various ways the scheme is applicable at the different stages of one’s career.

“I know everyone is concerned about their livelihood and the Government is also very concerned too,” he said in his Mandarin speech. “That is the goal of SkillsFuture, to encourage everyone to excel in (his) own field, whether you are an engineer or a retail associate, you can upgrade your skills or learn new skills, via different pathways.”

Before they enter the workforce, students are being prepared well for the new economy, said Mr Lee, citing how courses are opening up in up-and-coming industries or across disciplines.

For instance, there are digital media design courses at polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education, giving students a shot at a job at renowned game and film studios such as Ubisoft, Bandai Namco, Blizzard and Lucasfilm. In addition, there are also courses to train horticulturalists, food scientists and sports scientists.

For those who are already working, there are upgrading courses available for one to “achieve deeper mastery”, whether it is in nursing, precision engineering or pre-school education, noted Mr Lee.

“They provide you pathways to upgrade yourself in your job,” he added.

Apart from upgrading workers in their present careers, SkillsFuture is also helping retrenched workers or those seeking a career change transition and find new jobs, said Mr Lee.

“It is tough to lose your job, especially when ... you are not so young, and have (a) family to support,” he said. “But there is help available.”

For instance, under the Adapt and Grow scheme — an initiative rolled out by the Ministry of Manpower in April this year — workers can go for Professional Conversion Programmes and Career Support Programmes.

“They train you, help you to pick up new skills, move to a different industry and settle into a new job,” said Mr Lee.

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