Adulting is hard, especially when your resume is lookin’ a bit, well, meh.

Fortunately, as Singaporeans, we have SkillsFuture to help us level up our skills and snag that dream job or raise we deserve.

What exactly is SkillsFuture

SkillsFuture is created to promote lifelong learning and skills mastery among Singaporeans. It encourages individuals to take ownership of their development journey, helping them stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

Every eligible Singapore Citizen receives an initial amount of S$500. Additional top-ups have been provided periodically. For instance, SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) was introduced on 1 May 2024 and can be used to offset out-of-pocket course fees for selected courses with better employability outcomes.

These credits can be used to pay for a wide range of approved skills-related courses. This includes lessons with local universities, polytechnics, and private training providers.

The programme focuses on deepening your existing skills and acquiring new ones in areas that are in demand.

But with tons of options out there, where do you even begin? Here are the top five best SkillFuture courses to boost your resume!

SkillsFuture Course #1. Introduction to E-Commerce

Ever dreamt of being your own boss? Introduction to E-Commerce by Bells Institute of Higher Learning gives you the roadmap to turn your side hustle into a side empire.

Learn the ins and outs of e-commerce, marketing, and even social media strategy - all the essential tools to dominate the online world. The internet doesn’t have borders, so you can reach customers all over the globe!

Full fees: S$610
Course fees payable after SkillsFuture funding: S$305

SkillsFuture Course #2. Videography and Video Editing

Scrolling through Insta and TikTok but secretly wishing you were the one creating those fire videos? Well, ditch the envy and level up your content creation game with Videography and Video Editing by Biz IQ Academy.

Video is the future, and everyone from influencers to businesses are using it to grab attention. Mastering videography and editing can open doors to freelance gigs or even a side hustle creating content for brands or businesses.

Full fees: S$1,200
Course fees payable after SkillsFuture funding: S$60

SkillsFuture Course #3. Data Analytics Bootcamp

Learn how to wrangle, analyse, and interpret data with a course like Data Analytics Bootcamp by Vertical Institute. The world runs on data, and companies are scrambling for people who can understand it. Train yourself to analyse data to solve problems, make better decisions, and basically become a real-life Sherlock Holmes of information.

Full fees: S$2,500
Course fees payable after SkillsFuture funding: S$1,475 (For a 28-year-old Singaporean)

SkillsFuture Course #4. Coding for All

Once you’ve mastered data analytics, why not try your hands at coding? Learn the coding language Python in the course Coding for All by Temasek Polytechnic through a hands-on and project-based approach. Python can be used for pretty much anything you can imagine - websites, data analysis, even machine learning! This SkillsFuture course focuses on the basics to get you started, but the possibilities are endless once you’ve mastered the skill.

Full fees: S$340
Course fees payable after SkillsFuture funding: S$102

SkillsFuture Course #5. Effective People Management

We’ve all been there - stuck in a team meeting with a colleague who drones on, or frustrated by a lack of clear direction from a manager. But what if you could be the one to turn things around? Soft skills are just as important as hard skills like videography, coding, and data analytics. Brush up on your communication, teamwork, and leadership skills with a course like Effective People Management by FirstCom Academy. Remember, being a well-rounded professional will make you stand out from the crowd!

Full fees: S$880
Course fees payable after SkillsFuture funding: S$440

Bonus: 3 Other Fun SkillsFuture Courses to Consider

Learning shouldn’t always feel like work. Many fun SkillsFuture courses can also equip you with valuable practical skills. In fact, the most unexpected courses can sometimes spark a new passion or hidden talent.

Ever wanted to make your own clothes but weren’t sure where to start? Fashion & Fabrics (Basic Top & Skirt) is a great introduction to sewing and garment construction.

Or, how about Facial Tendon Bo Jin Therapy where you can learn a new self-care technique, double up as a freelance job, or even explore a potential career path in the wellness industry?

Given the rising number of pawrents in Singapore, why not also equip yourself with the skills to groom your own furry friend with the Basic Dog Grooming SkillsFuture course? You can definitely save on some of those pet costs.

Not sure what to do with your SkillsFuture credits?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices or unsure how to best utilize your SkillsFuture credits, here’s some exciting news that might help you decide: Starting from August 28, 2024, Singaporeans can now access over 30,000 new online courses using their SkillsFuture credits. This expansion allows learners to offset a 12-month subscription fee on two major e-learning platforms: Coursera and Udemy Business.

Read about the press release here.

Get Ready to Level Up Your Skills

So there you have it! These are just a few of the many exciting SkillsFuture courses available to help you level up your skills and boost your career. But before diving in, it’s wise to do some research to ensure the course aligns with your goals.

• Research the course provider: Look into the provider’s reputation, experience in delivering the course, and the qualifications of their instructors.
• Check reviews and testimonials: See what past students have to say about their experience with the course and the provider.
• Understand the learning outcomes: Make sure the course covers what you want to learn and achieves the skills you’re aiming for. Some courses may be part of a progressive learning structure with levels 1, 2, and 3. Be sure to consider if you’ll need to take future courses to achieve your goals.
• Stay open-minded: SkillsFuture offers a vast variety of courses. Explore different options and be open to learning something new that might spark a hidden interest!

We hate sounding like a nag but lifelong learning is truly the key to staying relevant in today’s job market. As futurist Alvin Toffler said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”