Singapore - Professionals looking for a job switch can now look forward to careers in the interactive and digital media industry once they complete the new training programme by Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).
Starting in May, this interactive and digital media Professional Conversion Programme will train interested professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) who wants to work in Internet Protocol Television, a new growth industry. It is a partnership between WDA, Singapore Media Academy and global telecommunications corporation Alcatel-Lucent to boost PMETs' employability in the current economic downturn.
Yet the heavily subsidised training initiative, which taps on the SPUR fund, is not restricted to PMETs only. Philippe Gerard, CTO for Alcatel-Lucent Singapore and Brunei, says any jobseeker or young talent who want to upgrade themselves or work in the creative sector are also welcomed to join the programme. "It can be for mothers, unemployed, people in the wrong career direction, even ex-bankers."
Applicants would simply need to have "some form of media talent" such as experience in blogs, media publishing and most importantly, the motivation to succeed, Gerard adds. There is no need for formal qualifications or advanced knowledge in java programming as Alcatel-Lucent will provide a year-long job apprenticeship for the 20 trainees.
However on-the-job mentorship does not mean employment contracts will be given out to the graduates, says Olivier Foo, managing director of Alcatel-Lucent Singapore. "We do not promise to hire all of them. We are not putting on paper any guarantee of employment."
What Alcatel-Lucent can do is provide the training to upgrade the skill capabilities needed to fill the talent gap in the interactive media industry, Foo adds.
Director of WDA's Community and Professional Services Division Lynn Ng says the initial intake is small so "there is room to review" and improve the course if necessary. To attract applicants, the pilot programme will only cost the trainees $739 in total course fees. They will also receive a monthly allowance of $1,000 from WDA. Average monthly salary for digital and media professionals with a few years of experience can reach up to $3,500.
