Tap expertise of retirees to boost SkillsFuture programmes

Under the SkillsFuture Credit scheme, the Government’s bid to promote lifelong learning, each Singaporean aged 25 and above is given S$500 in credit to use on SkillsFuture’s approved courses.

SkillsFuture Singapore said Singaporeans in the 25-to-29 age group used the highest amount of their SkillsFuture Credit, averaging nearly S$400 per person (“S’poreans use SkillsFuture Credit mostly for ICT courses”, Jan 9).

Massive Open Online Courses has proven popular among those under age 40. What is the breakdown between the classroom-led and online courses for the 25-to-29 age group?

I recently attended a SkillsFuture-approved course that was classroom-based, at ITE West for S$401. I also took two online training courses by Udemy that are not eligible for SkillsFuture Credit for S$30.

My conclusion: Traditional classroom-led training courses are costly and lack post-training support, while online courses are cost effective, with helpful long-term learning and support — virtually, that is.

With the Internet and the rise of the sharing economy, learning online is the most ideal way to promote cost-effective learning for life.

Our retirees who were experts in their respective sectors have vast knowledge. We should encourage them to embrace the Internet and to create online courses to be shared. SkillsFuture Singapore could help promote and support online course content created by our local retirees.

This initiative will complement the SkillsFuture Mentors programme in igniting the passion in others, tapping into the valuable knowledge of our seniors, and making the golden years of our retirees fulfilling. All Singaporeans would then be able to utilise the SkillsFuture Credit to the fullest and learn any time and anywhere.