Career considerations have become a focal point for many in the past few years, and the market is responding to those changes. Whether spurred by the changes from the COVID-19 pandemic, a generational shift in the workforce, or the evolving Fourth Industrial Revolution into exponential digital utilisation, workers are now reassessing their priorities and values, and are looking into emerging sectors or roles within the new economy.
The SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP), an initiative launched by the Singapore government, aims to provide individuals with the necessary training and support to make a career switch or transition into a different industry in Singapore's evolving job market.
Launched in 2022 by SkillsFuture Singapore (WSG), this programme enables participants to foray into their desired fields by enabling them with the relevant skills. With a baseline subsidy of up to 70% and additional support of up to 95% for jobseekers, this initiative provides a supportive environment for individuals who wish to enhance their employability in Singapore's dynamic job market.
But how does one know when it’s time to make that switch, or which SCTP course might be suitable?
Let's take a look at one of this generation’s biggest success stories at Amazon. Jeff Bezos, who had a highly lucrative senior vice president job at D.E. Shaw & Co. in 1994, was contemplating a new and risky venture. He was intrigued by the accelerating use of the internet and saw potential in sales of online books. However, his then-boss at the hedge fund pointed out that while it was a good idea, it would be even better if he didn't already have a good job. Career transitioning inherently involves some degree of risk, but Bezos was driven by his desire for personal fulfillment through his Regret Minimisation Framework, the rest became history.
“When you think about the things that you will regret when you’re 80, they’re almost always the things that you did not do. They’re acts of omission. Very rarely are you going to regret something that you did that failed and didn’t work or whatever,” Bezos said in an interview on taking risks in life.
Methodology aside, reskilling is often positive for both individuals and society as a whole. It keeps one employable through relevancy and fosters growth in those areas, bridges skill gaps (to which McKinsey & Company found 87% of executives experiencing in 2020), adds to job satisfaction, and brings about new change that positively impacts society (by increasing sustainability initiatives for instance).
Here is why you should consider enrolling for the SCTP:
Gain new skills: The programme provides training in new skills and knowledge relevant to the current job market, which can enhance employability
Career transformation: The programme helps individuals to transition into new career paths or industries, which may lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and job satisfaction.
Industry-relevant training: The programme provides training that is specific to the industries that are in demand in Singapore's economy, such as Infocomm Technology, Healthcare, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Professional guidance: Participants in the programme receive guidance from career coaches who can help you navigate your career transition journey.
Funding support: The programme provides financial support for the training courses, which can help to reduce the financial burden of taking up new skills.
Recognised certification: The programme provides certification that is recognised by industry partners, which can enhance your professional profile.
Here are some SCTP from SMU Academy which you may consider:
Advanced Certificate in Data Protection Operational Excellence
Increased migration into digitalisation has also meant security risks associated with important business data and user privacy. This course lends one the skill to strengthen their company's data protection procedures by identifying the operational risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, and thereby installing measures to prevent them.
Advanced Certificate in iOS Application Development with Swift Programming
Smartphone and tablet users have exploded in numbers and good application design can make or break their experience. Learn to build iOS apps from scratch using Apple's Swift programming, Xcode, UIKit frameworks, and follow the best practices to boost successful adoption rates.
Advanced Certificate in Governance, Risk Management and Data Compliance
Go deeper into the digital world of data and formulate governance and policies to protect these assets. Learn practical knowledge to analyse, assist, and ultimately manage the growing volumes of data within your organisation efficiently to safeguard all users’ interests.
Advanced Certificate in Driving Sustainability for the Future: The Future of Work through a Sustainable Lens
The focus on sustainability has already resulted in rapid developments such as compulsory Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards to satisfy investor interest. Pivot your way into the green sector jobs by acquiring skills to understand corporate sustainability concepts and strategies, and learn to analyse, document, and report on sustainable factors in the corporate context.
Advanced Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
The logistics industry has seen immense demand and pressure with the pandemic, and several shifts have expedited the growth to meet global demands. Join this industry with the fundamentals of logistics and supply chain management, and experience various supply chain and logistics operational environments inside an organisation.
Futureproof your career path and uncover your potential and interests with the SCTP courses at SMU Academy.
