On Saturday (Jan 5), about 50,000 people were attending workshops held at Nee Soon South Community Club. The event was held to celebrate the anniversary of SkillsFuture Advice @ North West, which serves the north-western part of the island and has already helped around 10,000 people through more than 300 workshops.

Entitled as SkillsFuture Advice programme, the initiative was first set up in October 2017 as part of the SkillsFuture movement which aims to provide Singaporeans with opportunities to develop their education, training and job prospects. At the event, visitors can find classes and courses that will enhance their skills and career plans, The Straits Times reports.

The 90-minute workshops are targeted at fresh entrants to the job market, working professionals, mid-career switchers, returning professionals and seniors and aim to make them aware of which SkillsFuture training courses they can attend.

Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung, who was guest of honour, said, “As a national programme, it has done very well. We have reached out to 50,000 individuals across the island.”

Meanwhile, Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District, said a survey of 500 workshop participants showed that 40 per cent have either embarked on a skills upgrading programme or plan to do so. “Indeed it is very encouraging that Singaporeans want to take the opportunity to upgrade themselves. By 2020, we hope to conduct at least 1,000 worshops for Singaporeans to empower more residents to better take charge of their skills upgrading and career development.”

He added, “It is important that every Singaporean adopts lifelong learning as part of our living habit and continue to learn.”

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