25/02/2015

Skills-Based Modular Courses

Greater Support For Workforce To Deepen Skills Through Continual Learning

About the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme

1. In line with the objectives of SkillsFuture to support and encourage lifelong learning and help Singapore Citizens (SCs) stay responsive to a changing workplace, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will be introducing more skills-based modular courses at post-secondary education institutions (PSEIs) (i.e. the Institute of Technical Education [ITE], polytechnics and universities) later this year at the following levels:

• Diploma
• Post-diploma (Diploma (Conversion), Specialist Diploma, Advanced Diploma)
• Undergraduate degree

2. Recognising that mid-career individuals may face more opportunity costs in undertaking training, MOE and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will also enhance course subsidies for these individuals to encourage and support their skills development.

Expanded Range of Skills-Based Modular Courses at Post-Secondary Education Institutions

3. A range of flexible, modular and bite-sized learning options will be introduced, taking into consideration the demands of working adults1 . These options provide SCs with more opportunities to acquire relevant skills, without the necessity to pursue a full qualification.

4. There will be no cap on the number of skills-based modular courses that SCs can be funded for. Some of these modular courses can be counted towards a full qualification. SCs enrolled in skills-based modular courses offered at the PSEIs will receive the same levels of subsidies as for part-time programmes at the same level. For example, for SCs below 40 years of age, diploma-level modular courses will be subsidised at the same level as part-time diploma courses.

5. The first slate of modular courses will provide opportunities for skills building that are relevant to the key priority and growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics and aviation. The range of courses will be expanded over time to cover other sectors. More details of these short modular courses will be released in the coming months.