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Singapore's numbers for continuous learning and personal growth soar to 660,000 individuals in 2021

Singapore's numbers for continuous learning and personal growth soar to 660,000 individuals in 2021

In 2021, over 12,000 training opportunities to acquire industry-relevant skills that pave the way to new job opportunities were taken up.

Approximately 660,000 individuals in Singapore have upskilled themselves through the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)-supported programmes in 2021. This was the highest number of SSG-supported individuals in a year since the launch of SkillsFuture, according to SkillsFuture Year in Review 2021.

Further, more than 247,000 Singaporeans have used their SkillsFuture Credit in 2021 to offset programme course fees, which is an increase from some 188,000 Singaporeans in 2020.

Looking deeper into the numbers, there were more than 30,000 individuals who undertook SkillsFuture Series courses—one that allowed trainees to acquire priority, and emerging skills in areas such as Data Analytics, and Tech-Enabled Services—in 2021.

Such a turnout, SSG believes, is due to the availability (and extension) of COVID-19 support measures that helped individuals and enterprises in Singapore "emerge stronger from the pandemic and prepare themselves for the future economy".

For instance, as part of the national SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, the SGUnited Skills Programme, and the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – the Company Training programme was extended till 31 March 2022. Both programmes, which support individuals in acquiring industry-relevant skills that pave the way to new job opportunities, have provided over 12,000 training opportunities in 2021.

On the corporate front, SSG ramped up its enterprise engagement efforts in 2021. About 24,000 enterprises participated in SSG-supported programmes, as compared to 14,000 enterprises in 2020. Further, over 10,000 enterprises have used the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit in 2021 to send their employees for training supported by SSG.

Tan Kok Yam, Chief Executive of SSG, affirmed the focus, going forward for SSG, will be on raising the quality, rigour and relevance of adult education, so that both the workforce and businesses can be future-ready.

"To this end, we will build on the partnership we have with learners, enterprises and the training providers; as well as foster a collective understanding of the relevance and value of skills."


Photo / SSG

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