The SMU Academy held a ‘SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme Orientation Night’ on 28 July evening to launch the first of its SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) – the Advanced Certificate in Driving Sustainability for the Future: The Future of Work through a Sustainable Lens. The inaugural course starts on 4 August 2022, with the next intake commencing in January 2023.

The SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme succeeds the SGUnited Skills Programme (SGUS) which ceased in April 2022.  It supports mid-career individuals in acquiring industry-relevant skills to improve employability and pivot to new sectors or job roles. The new initiative aims to equip mid-career individuals, job seekers and career switchers with industry-relevant skills to improve employability and pivot to new sectors or job roles. The train-and-place programme is available on a part-time or full-time format, and courses range from a duration of three to 12 months.

The event was attended by over 60 programme trainees, project mentors, trainers, sponsors, partners and potential employers.  Minister of State for Education & Manpower Ms Gan Siow Huang and Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore, Mr Tan Kok Yam were also among guests.

Guests were provided an overview of the SCTP and introduction of SMUA’s Career Service Infrastructure and Support Services. Mr Edward Tay, Sustainability and Programme Director of the SCTP Advanced Certificate in Driving Sustainability for the Future: The Future of Work through a Sustainable Lens’ course said, “SMUA has spent a lot of time putting together the best lecturers in the region and a great slate of sustainability coaches to help trainees with their capstone projects. We also have onboard a great pool of corporate partners.” The course also includes site visits to help trainees appreciate the sustainability journey and a capstone Sustainability Project that incorporates real business cases provided by sponsoring corporations, stakeholders, and SMU Academy.

In her address, MOS Gan expressed support for SMU Academy’s SCTP programme as it will equip participants with the applicable skillsets competencies to transition into green jobs or better support their organisation’s sustainability initiatives in their current roles. She also shared that she was happy to see interest in pivoting to the sustainability sector and commended participants for their commitment and dedication to upgrade their skillsets through attending the 6-month course.

MOS Gan also engaged various stakeholders consisting of trainers, trainees, and industry partners in separate cluster dialogues during the event. Video highlights of the evening and reflections from some of the attendees can be viewed here.

It was a great evening of networking and bonding between trainees, trainers and partners.  SMUA will be rolling out more SCTP courses in coming months.  More details will be released here.