Launched in 2015, SkillsFuture is a national movement that gives Singaporeans opportunities to learn new skills at any age.
To encourage lifelong learning, all Singaporeans aged 25 and above were given $500 in SkillsFuture Credit at the start. Over the years, this has been boosted with additional top-ups, including $500 to $1,000 in 2020, and additional SkillsFuture mid-career credits for those aged 40 to 60 as at 31 December 2020.
If you have SkillsFuture Credit, you may also have noticed that some of these credits will expire by 31 December 2025. That’s why many Singaporeans are now looking to enrol in courses to make full use of their credits.
Attending a course brings together people from all walks of life, across different ages, backgrounds, and industries with which we might rarely cross paths. In this article, we highlight some of the types of people you’re likely to meet in a SkillsFuture Credit eligible course, and what each reveals about how Singaporeans approach lifelong learning.
#1 The Industry Insider Looking To Expand His Skillset
The first group consists of professionals who are already established in their field but want to broaden their capabilities. They view learning not as a one-off event, but as a means to expand their toolkit continually. For them, taking up a SkillsFuture Credit course is less about starting from scratch, and more about building on their existing strengths so they can remain relevant and competitive within their industry in a fast-changing world.
Take, for example, a physical trainer who signs up for a sports massage course. By picking up complementary skills, he can not only provide a better experience for his clients but also expand his range of services, from training to recovery.
Similarly, someone in the media industry who already produces content might enrol in videography or editing classes to better tell stories across multiple formats. In both cases, the motivation is the same: to grow within their industry and unlock new opportunities.
#2 The Hobbyist Turned Learner
Not everyone attends SkillsFuture courses with work in mind. Some learners are there because they have always wanted to pick up a new hobby or pursue a personal passion. For this group, the learning isn’t just about career advancement or to make more money. Instead, it’s about doing something that they find enjoyable and enriching for themselves.
For instance, you might meet someone who has always loved taking photos on their phone, but now decides to enrol in an introductory photography course to better understand lighting and composition.
Another may sign up for baking classes, not to work in a bakery, but to enjoy the joy of creating something delicious for her family and friends. By using their SkillsFuture Credits to support their hobbies, they show that lifelong learning can also be fun and creative.
#3 The Retiree Picking Up Useful Life Skills
Retirees are another familiar presence in SkillsFuture courses. For them, learning is a way to stay active, engaged and connected with the world around them. Beyond the personal benefit, these courses often become social spaces where retirees can meet people outside their usual circles.
For example, you might meet a retiree who signs up for cooking classes to try out new recipes and enjoy healthier meals at home. Others may choose a flower arrangement course. These courses are not just about picking up practical skills, they also equip retirees with practical life skills that can keep them occupied.
#4 The Career Switcher
Finally, some attend SkillsFuture courses because they are exploring an entirely new path. Unlike industry insiders who are deepening their skills, career switchers are often stepping into unfamiliar territory, using these courses as a low-risk (potentially high-return?) way to test the waters. For them, SkillsFuture Credits offer a valuable opportunity to gain confidence and exposure before making more significant commitments, such as pursuing further education or a career switch.
For example, someone from the hospitality industry may decide to take a digital marketing course because they are considering moving into a tech-related role. Or a mid-career professional who enrols in coding or data analytics classes to pivot towards the growing demand in the tech sector. These learners are a good reminder that SkillsFuture isn’t just about upgrading, but can also be about reinventing yourself and opening new doors.
One Classroom, Many Journeys
Whether it’s the Industry Insider looking to sharpen their edge, the Hobbyist pursuing a passion, the Retiree keeping active, or the Career Switcher exploring a new path, SkillsFuture courses bring together a diverse mix of learners. And while each group has different motivations for learning, they all share the same belief that learning should never stop.
