WDA begins issuing SkillsFuture Credit activation letters to Singaporeans

Through the month of January 2016, Singaporeans aged 25 years and above will be receiving their account activation letters, together with a step-by-step guide booklet on the use of SkillsFuture credit.

This was revealed by Singapore's Workforce Development Agency (WDA) at the the SkillsFuture Credit Roadshow launched by deputy prime minister of Singapore, coordinating minister for economic and social policies, and SkillsFuture council chairman, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

A press release by WDA stated the roadshow was launched to help Singaporeans take personal ownership of their lifelong learning.

It explained that all eligible Singaporeans will receive an initial credit of S$500 which can be used to offset course fees, on top of course subsidies.

WDA is working with government agencies and training providers to expand the suite of courses approved for SkillsFuture Credit. 

ALSO READ: The SkillsFuture Council starts work to boost Singaporeans’ careers

“WDA has started sending out the SkillsFuture Credit Activation letters from 4^th January 2016, and will continue to do so in batches," said Ng Cher Pong, chief executive of WDA.

"WDA will be organising several roadshows like today’s, to help Singaporeans understand and learn how they can plan for their skills and training needs, and make better use of their credit."

Human Resources reached out to John Augustine Ong, the Singapore learning lead at ANZ to get his opinions on the credit scheme. 

“SkillsFuture Credit is a great initiative to encourage Singaporean professionals to take charge of their own learning by putting themselves in the driver’s seat," he said.

"It helps to promote and embed a stronger lifelong learning culture amongst Singaporeans and encourage them to pursue new skills and knowledge in areas that are of interests to them, through the wide range of courses available."

Ong added the $500 credit will also go a long way in removing any obstacles or lack of accessibility to learning opportunities due to personal budget constraints.

WDA announced at least 6,000 Singaporeans who are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit are expected to attend the two-day roadshow at Westgate Mall from 9 – 10 January 2016.

It announced that at these roadshows, Singaporeans will be able to find out more about the approved SkillsFuture Credit courses and how they can use their credit to achieve their skills training and career goals.

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