Key Takeaways
- SkillsFuture Credits support lifelong learning for Singaporeans aged 25 and above.
- The credits can be used on approved courses across industries.
- Individuals can combine credits with other funding schemes.
- Courses range from tech to soft skills and vocational training.
- The credits have a validity period and must be used before expiration.
- You can check eligibility and available courses on the official SkillsFuture portal.
- Top-ups are periodically provided by the government.
- SkillsFuture Credits are non-transferable.
- They cannot be exchanged for cash or used for non-approved courses.
- The credits are designed to encourage continuous skill development.
Located strategically in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore has successfully presented itself as a key player in the region’s economic landscape. This ‘little red dot’ nation thrives on high income generated from both domestic and foreign investments.
Despite the thriving economic landscape, Singapore is confronted with widening skill gaps. Many workers struggle to secure employment due to the skill mismatch between what the employers seek and what the workforce has.
This is where one of the government initiative programmes, known as SkillsFuture Credit, comes into play. With SkillsFuture Credit, the workforce is given the opportunities to bridge skill gaps and foster individual growth.
What is SkillsFuture Credit?
SkillsFuture Credit is a government programme aimed at bridging skill gaps within the Singapore workforce. Recipients are given S$500 opening credit, which they can use to offset SkillsFuture-funded course fees.
For example, if a course originally costs S$100 and is reduced to S$50 after SkillsFuture Funding, a SkillsFuture Credit recipient can use their credit to cover the remaining S$50. This eliminates out-of-pocket expenses and encourages continuous learning opportunities.
There are numerous course options that individuals can enrol to their SkillsFuture Credit. Whether they aim to upgrade their existing skills or explore new areas, they have the flexibility to choose courses that best meet their goals.
The Economic Impact of Highly Skilled Workforce
The workforce is the backbone of every country’s economy. Thus, the government is responsible for ensuring that every individual of working age is equipped with the skills needed to participate in the economy according to their expertise.
This is essentially the idea behind SkillsFuture Credit. With this programme, individuals from multiple backgrounds are given the equal opportunity to deepen their skills or reskill into new areas without paying out-of-pocket fees.
This inclusivity will lead to an increased number of people absorbed into the workforce. And this will increase the country’s overall productivity and innovation, both are necessary to sustain economic growth and maintain global competitiveness.
SkillsFuture Credit Eligibility
Citizens of Singapore aged 25 and above are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit. The amount of credit they receive will depend on the tier level they fall into.
Base Tier
If you’re aged 25 and above you will receive an opening credit of S$500. This credit doesn’t expire and you can use it for a wide range of SkillsFuture Credit-eligible courses.
You can explore courses on the MySkillsFuture website or through your preferred SkillsFuture-funded training providers. The courses are already subsidised up to 70% with the SkillsFuture Funding and you can use your credit to cover the remaining fees.
Mid-Career Tier
Starting from 1 May 2024, individuals aged 40 and above are eligible for a SkillsFuture Credit top-up of S$4000. If you fall under this category, you can use the credit for SkillsFuture mid-career courses as well as the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme.
The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme allows you to pursue a substantive skills reboot. You can join up to 90% subsidised full-time and long-term training to acquire relevant skills and thrive in the changing economic dynamic.
You can later use your credit to cover the remaining fees. This ensures that you can learn without any out-of-pocket expenses.
Post-Pandemic SkillsFuture Credit Updates
Back in 2020, when many people lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore government provided an additional SkillsFuture Credit of S$500. This year, the government has released some important updates.
For SkillsFuture base tier recipients, the one-time top-up given in 2020 will expire at the end of 2025. If you’re one of these recipients, now is the time to use your remaining credit wisely before it expires.
On the other hand, for mid-career SkillsFuture Credit recipients, the one-time top-up credit will not expire. Any remaining balance will be combined with the new S$4,000 top-up provided from 1 May 2024.
SkillsFuture Credit for First Aid Training
MySkillsFuture offers a wide range of course options, including First Aid Training. This specific type of training equips participants with the knowledge and skills to save lives in case emergencies happen, whether at the workplace or at home.
Since First Aid Training is also part of workplace safety, employers often enrol their employees to comply with government regulations and maintain safe practices. This ensures that employees are prepared to provide first aid during emergencies.
However, if you wish to join this training independently, you can apply and pay with your SkillsFuture Credit. Having a First Aid Training certificate is, after all, highly beneficial in enhancing your employability in certain sectors.
The List of SkillsFuture Credit-Eligible First-Aid Training
Standard First Aid (SFA) Course teaches participants how to handle general injuries and other medical emergencies. Cases studied in this course are typically focused on minor traumas, including light bleeding and shortness of breath.
Having SFA Certification is beneficial to ensure that the people within your workplace and community are well-protected during any emergencies. However, for certain professions like athletic coaches, obtaining this certificate is mandatory as ruled by the National Registry of Coaches (NROC).
The Occupational First Aid course is given to employees as part of the corporation’s work safety practices. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to identify emergencies and respond effectively to save the lives of injured individuals, should the need arise.
Emergencies can happen in the workplace due to a variety of reasons. However, the most common one is safety hazards that are present within the facility, such as electrical faults, chemical spills, and machinery among others.
Child First Aid Course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to perform first aid help to children in need. Common emergencies involving children include choking, falls, and bruises, among others.
If you’re a school teacher or a parent, participating in this course will be highly beneficial. You will gain the ability to assist injured children, providing crucial care before they are brought to medical facilities, and potentially saving lives.
Basic Cardiac Life Support is the course that provides participants with the knowledge and skills to provide emergency cardiac help. This is particularly important as cardiac arrest often happens suddenly and can be fatal without immediate intervention.
By having the skills to provide emergency cardiac care, you can make a life-saving difference in your community. Immediate intervention significantly increases the chances of survival while waiting for professional paramedics to arrive.
How to Apply to First-Aid Training with SkillsFuture Credit?
To apply to MHG’s first aid training with your SkillsFuture Credit, you must first choose the type of training you prefer (i.e., Standard First Aid, Occupational First Aid, Child First Aid, and Basic Cardiac Life Support).
After you have chosen the type of training, here are the next steps to follow:
- Click on the “View Available Dates” button
- Choose the date and click the “Register Now” button
- Choose “Self-sponsored” registration type
- Fill in the trainee details
- Tick the “Apply for SSG Training Grant” box
- Tick the “I have read and agree to funding requirement” and “Add in the checkbox for entry requirement” boxes
- Type in the verification code
- Click “Submit registration”
Following that, the MHG team will review your application, and send you an email informing you about the SSG Training Grant outcome and the balance payable. You must pay the fees before the course starts, and if you’re eligible, you can use your SkillsFuture Credit.
In addition, you must also have a SingPass account and access to the SingPass app on a smart device with a camera to scan for attendance. Achieving 100% attendance and passing all the assessments are other requirements to adhere to, or else MHG has the right to claw back the grant amount.
Final Thoughts
Acquiring industry-relevant skills is made more inclusive with SkillsFuture Credit. Recipients can enrol in courses to improve employability or switch to other career fields without paying out-of-pocket fees.
Take this as your chance to learn the essentials of providing first aid help. Here at Medlink, we have several first aid training that you can offset with SkillsFuture Credit, including:
Enrol today or contact us for further details!
FAQ
What to do if I run out of SkillsFuture Credit?
If you’re running out of SkillsFuture Credit, you can still enjoy affordable course fees as the SkillsFuture Funding will provide up to 70% subsidy. This means you will need to offset the remaining fees with your out-of-pocket expenses.
Who is eligible for SkillsFuture credit? How much SkillsFuture credit do I have?
Citizens of Singapore aged 25 and above are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit with an opening credit of S$500. Starting from 1 May 2024, those aged 40 and above will also receive a one-time top-up of S$4000.
When do I submit the SkillsFuture Credit claim?
You can submit the SkillsFuture Credit claim after you’ve successfully registered for a course or within 60 days before the course starts.
How do I claim SkillsFuture Credit for courses?
To claim your SkillsFuture Credit, you need to first enrol in courses via the training provider. After that, you can select “Submit SkillsFuture Credit Claims” on the MySkillsFuture homepage and log in with your SingPass.
Carefully follow the instructions to complete your claim submission.
