Extension of SkillsFuture to Cover Degree Courses for Career Switchers

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) whether the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme can be extended to (i) university education and (ii) workers who wish to study for a first or second degree in order to switch careers and specialise in a different field, so as to address the growing skills mismatch in the labour market.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers for Education (Ms Low Yen Ling) (for the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills)): Mdm Speaker, the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) is an important work-learn initiative targeted primarily at fresh graduates from Polytechnics and ITE to facilitate their entry into the sector they are trained for, while enabling them to deepen their skills and attain higher qualifications.

There is less impetus to do this for Universities because most graduates will not, at least not immediately, go beyond an undergraduate degree.

Notwithstanding, there is much benefit to incorporate the concept of work-learn in undergraduate education and lifelong learning. Hence, SIT already offers the integrated work-study programme, where undergraduates are attached to industries up to a year. Various universities are also working with industries to develop work-learn undergraduate programs. Each degree programme caters to the specific needs of the industry with the aim of developing industry-ready graduates.

As for lifelong learning, adult learners can tap on various programmes under the Adapt and Grow initiative, such as the Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs). PCPs are available across a broad range of industries, including aerospace, logistics, and social services, and are also work-learn in nature.