Sixfold jump in take-up for SkillsFuture’s career transition courses

8,500 enrolled to gear up for new sectors or job roles in surge from the preceding year

- Gabrielle Chan

Around 8,500 people enrolled in SkillsFuture programmes to equip themselves for a move into new sectors or job roles — about six times more than in the preceding year.

This came as mid-career workers tapped their $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up, which was announced at Budget 2024 for citizens aged 40 and above.

From May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, more than 36,000 Singaporeans used these credits, with claims amounting to over $24 million, said Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary on Sept 25.

In the same period, the number of individuals taking SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) courses increased to 8,500, up from 1,500 the preceding year, said Dr Janil, who was responding to questions from MPs about the take-up rate of SkillsFuture programmes and career outcomes.

Of the nearly 4,300 previously unemployed trainees who participated in the SCTP from the time the programme started in June 2022 to December 2024, about 55 per cent found new jobs within six months of completing their courses, he added.

Dr Janil also updated the House on the take-up rate of the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance, another scheme introduced at Budget 2024 which provides eligible workers with up to $3,000 a month while they undergo full-time training.

As at end-July 2025, over 3,200 Singaporeans had successfully applied for the training allowance and more than $30 million had been disbursed.

The programme began three months earlier, on May 1.

Mr Henry Kwek (Kebun Baru) asked what happened to the 45 per cent of SCTP participants who did not secure jobs within six months, noting that these were highly motivated and employable workers.

Dr Janil said it took time for trainees to realise the gains from the programme.