Roll-Out Of SkillsFuture Earn And Learn Programme For The Infocomm Sector

03/12/2015

Roll-Out Of SkillsFuture Earn And Learn Programme For The Infocomm Sector

The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) for the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, has seen positive interest with a total of 27 polytechnic graduates from Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic, participating in the first run of the programme.

The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development is targeted at fresh polytechnic graduates from the ICT field. Participants will be trained in emerging areas such as Big Data, Business Analytics, Business Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Cyber Security. They will also receive structured on-the-job training and be placed on career development pathways that will enable them to get a head start in their careers and advance based on skills. The 12-month programme commenced in August 2015 and will lead to a Specialist Diploma in Information Systems Development.

Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of WDA, said “We are encouraged by the positive response in the inaugural run of the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development. Through the programme, individuals will acquire valuable industry skills and experience, while employers will build up their talent pipeline of technical specialists. It also supports the growth of Singapore as a Smart Nation. Companies and individuals who are interested to participate in the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development can sign up for it at the next run in April 2016.”

For the inaugural run, the participants have been placed with three participating companies – Accenture, Innova InfoTech and Nebulas Tree. 24 of them have been placed with Accenture. To strengthen its support for the national SkillsFuture movement, Accenture has developed the Emerging Technologist Development Programme (ETDP) in line with the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme structure, with the objective of developing and growing the local IT talent pool.

Accenture’s ETDP provide individuals with structured on-the-job and specialised training that leads to additional industry-recognised qualifications on top of the Specialist Diploma in Information Systems Development, covering areas such as Design Thinking, Agile Software Development Project, Advanced Topics in Information Systems Development and Advanced Information Systems. The programme is open to all Singaporeans and permanent residents who wish to embark on a technology-related career with Accenture, including fresh polytechnic graduates, returning mothers, displaced workers, national servicemen, mid-career switchers, as well as the silver workforce. The 24 participants of the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development that are currently with Accenture are placed on the ETDP.

“The complement of the Specialist Diploma in Information Systems Development with a structured industry programme like the ETDP, gives IT professionals the assurance and confidence that they can build a successful career in their chosen field.” said Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Nanyang Polytechnic. “As the first Polytechnic to offer the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development, NYP has worked closely with our industry partners to develop a future-facing curriculum that will enable young professionals to upgrade and meet the needs of the rapidly-evolving sector”

Accenture’s Senior Managing Director for ASEAN and Country Managing Director for Singapore, Teo Lay Lim, said “The ETDP reflects our ongoing commitment to help develop the skills of our Singapore workforce, especially in the areas of emerging technology. We are confident that this programme, with the support of our partners, will be successful in providing a ‘talent on tap model’ for entry level technology hires”

Mr Ong Ye Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) visited Accenture today to meet with some of the trainees and their mentors.

Annex A: Factsheet on SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Software Development

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