08/01/2017

Steady Progress In Implementation Of SkillsFuture Credit

More than 126,000 Singaporeans have used the SkillsFuture Credit to up-skill or re-skill themselves by end December 2016, in the first year of this scheme. 34% of them have tapped on their SkillsFuture Credit more than once. The number of training courses eligible for the SkillsFuture Credit has also increased steadily from more than 10,000 in January 2016 to over 18,000 by December 2016.

SkillsFuture Credit users well-distributed across all age groups

Among the Singaporeans who have utilised the SkillsFuture Credit, there is a good spread across the different age groups, as shown in Figure 1. The average utilisation was highest among Singaporeans aged 25 to 29, at almost $400 per person.

Figure 1: Distribution of SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) utilisation, by age group

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) most popular area of training across all age groups

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is the most popular area of training, across all age groups. Younger Singaporeans enrolled for courses on emerging ICT skills such as data analytics, while older Singaporeans use their SkillsFuture Credit to acquire more fundamental ICT skills such as using the basic functions of a computer.

Other popular areas of training include Language Skills, Productivity and Innovation and Security and Investigation. These top courses covered a range of skills from supervisory to non-supervisory skills. A breakdown of the top 3 areas of training for each age group is in Annex A.

Steady Increase in number of SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses

There is also a significant increase in the number of SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses. Singaporeans can now use their SkillsFuture Credit for over 18,000 approved skills-related courses. These are provided by over 700 training providers, comprising both public and private providers. Based on the number of courses offered, the top 10 training providers are:

• Udemy
• Coursera
• SIM University
• National University of Singapore
• Institute of Technical Education
• Nanyang Polytechnic
• NTUC Learninghub Pte. Ltd.
• Temasek Polytechnic
• Nanyang Technological University, Centre for Continuing Education
• Singapore Polytechnic

The full list of SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses can be found at http://www.skillsfuture.sg/credit

As we expand the range of training programmes, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will continue to identify and bring on board high-quality training providers. These include INSEAD, Udacity and edX (details in Annex B), all of which will be providing courses eligible for the SkillsFuture Credit within the next few months.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) popular among younger Singaporeans

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) form 12% of all the SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses. These enable learners to access the courses online at their own convenience and pace, making learning flexible and easily accessible.

About 6% of Singaporeans have utilised their SkillsFuture Credit on MOOCs, the majority of whom are in the 25 to 39 age group. The top 10 most popular MOOCs are listed in Annex C.

SSG will continue to step up efforts to reach out to and advise Singaporeans on how they can make good use of their SkillsFuture Credit to deepen their skills or acquire new skills.

Annex A: Top 3 Areas Of Training For Each Age Group

Annex B: List of Renowned Training Providers Coming On Board The SkillsFuture Credit Scheme

Annex C: Top 10 Massive Open Online Courses