Mountbatten MP Gho Sze Kee\u2019s recent parliamentary query about the appropriateness of some SkillsFuture courses has drawn divided views, with some netizens highlighting the benefits of picking up complementary skills. <\/p>\n
Ms Gho raised her concerns during a five-hour parliamentary session in on May 5, where a Bill to establish the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA)<\/a> was passed. <\/p>\n The merger between SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), SWDA aims to \u201cbetter integrate jobs and skills strategy and initiatives<\/a>\u201d in a \u201ccomplex and faster-changing economy.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms Gho explained that the merger presents a timely opportunity to ask some \u201chard questions\u201d about whether resources were \u201cdeployed efficiently and impactfully\u201d to align with SWDA\u2019s mission. <\/p>\n The Mountbatten MP raised concerns about wine appreciation courses. While acknowledging that some professionals benefit from such classes, Ms Gho said she was surprised to learn that such courses are popular as \u201cparticipants can enjoy wine and snacks at lower costs than a wine bar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere appears to be an attitude that since this is public money, one might as well spend it,\u201d Ms Gho fathomed, saying that course fees are covered by SkillsFuture credits.<\/p>\n She added that she had also come across a course on basic washroom cleaning, apparently operated by a provider that specialised in wine appreciation. <\/p>\n Prices of wine appreciation courses covered by MySkillsFuture<\/a> funding range from $150 to $700. After funding, they cost between $70 and $350. Unsubsidised courses can cost more than $1,000. <\/p>\n Several courses provide training based on the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) framework \u2014 an internationally recognised qualification focused on wine and spirit education. One listing on the SkillsFuture portal<\/a> states that participants will taste a minimum of six samples to learn about wine characteristics and food pairings.<\/p>\n Ms Gho suggested that the curation of courses should be examined to ensure the enhancement of trainees\u2019 skills and employability. Trainees should also be learning with the aim of upgrading themselves meaningfully, and training providers should be suitably qualified. <\/p>\n Additionally, Ms Gho suggested a review of SkillsFuture credit caps, providing more support to Singaporeans who \u201cdemonstrate a commitment to continuous upgrading.\u201d <\/p>\n Currently, all Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above receive $500 in SkillsFuture credits<\/a> to offset course fees. Eligible mid-career individuals aged 40 and above are also granted an additional $4,000 in credits. These credits do not expire.<\/p>\n \u201cBy doing so, we encourage deeper, more purposeful learning, and better support workers who take charge of their career health and strive to remain relevant and competitive,\u201d Ms Gho explained.<\/p>\n \u201cTo me, those who are willing to put in more effort to better themselves deserve more support.\u201d<\/p>\n Several netizens agreed with Ms Gho\u2019s recommendation to tighten the quality of courses and instructors, and shared their personal experiences attending SkillsFuture courses.<\/p>\n Others disapproved of singling out wine tasting courses, saying that it is up to each Singaporean to decide how they spend their SkillsFuture credits. <\/p>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nProvide more support for active learners<\/h2>\n
Chosen courses should be individual choice: Netizens<\/h2>\n
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