In 2024, Singapore witnessed a remarkable surge in lifelong learning, with more Singaporeans tapping into their SkillsFuture credits to pursue courses aimed at boosting employability. Notably, 28,000 mid-career Singaporeans aged 40 and above embraced the newly rolled-out SkillsFuture Mid-Career Credits, signaling a powerful shift toward skills development in an ever-evolving job market. This blog explores this inspiring trend, unpacking why it matters, how the SkillsFuture initiative is driving it, and what it means for Singapore’s workforce.

Table of Contents

1. The Rise of SkillsFuture Credits Usage in 2024
2. Why More Singaporeans Are Choosing Employment-Focused Courses
3. Spotlight: 28,000 Mid-Career Singaporeans Lead the Charge
4. How SkillsFuture Credits Empower Lifelong Learning
5. The Impact on Singapore’s Workforce and Economy
6. Top Courses Singaporeans Are Taking in 2024
7. What’s Next for SkillsFuture and Singaporeans?

The Rise of SkillsFuture Credits Usage in 2024

More Singaporeans are prioritizing upskilling, and the numbers prove it. In 2024, approximately 260,000 individuals used their SkillsFuture credits—a 35% jump from the previous year. This spike reflects a growing awareness of the need to stay competitive in a fast-changing economy. With technological advancements and global shifts reshaping industries, Singaporeans are turning to education as a tool to secure their future. The SkillsFuture initiative, launched in 2016, has been a game-changer, and its impact is more evident than ever this year.

The introduction of the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Credits in May 2024, offering a $4,000 top-up for those aged 40 and above, has further fueled this momentum. Unlike previous credits with expiry dates, this top-up has no time limit, encouraging mid-career professionals to invest in substantive skills reboots without pressure.

Why More Singaporeans Are Choosing Employment-Focused Courses

The focus on courses with employment objectives isn’t random—it’s a response to real-world demands. Rapid digitalization, automation, and the rise of green and care economies have created new job opportunities while rendering some skills obsolete. Singaporeans recognize that upskilling isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about staying employable.

Data from SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) shows that 112,000 individuals enrolled in courses with strong employability outcomes in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023. These include programs like the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes (SCTP), which boast a 54% employment rate within six months of completion. Whether it’s mastering data analytics or diving into sustainable energy, Singaporeans are aligning their learning with market needs.

Spotlight: 28,000 Mid-Career Singaporeans Lead the Charge

Among the standout statistics of 2024 is the 28,000 mid-career Singaporeans who tapped into their SkillsFuture Mid-Career Credits. Introduced on May 1, 2024, this scheme targets those aged 40 and above, offering $4,000 to offset course fees for programs with proven job outcomes. This group, often juggling family and work commitments, is stepping up to reskill and pivot into high-demand sectors.

Why the enthusiasm? Mid-career workers face a higher risk of skills obsolescence, and the $4,000 credit—combined with any remaining balance from the 2020 Additional SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career Support)—provides a financial cushion. For instance, someone with $200 left from the earlier $500 top-up now has $4,200 to invest in their future. This flexibility has made a tangible difference, encouraging substantive learning over quick fixes.

How SkillsFuture Credits Empower Lifelong Learning

SkillsFuture credits are more than just vouchers—they’re a lifeline for lifelong learning. Since its inception, over 1.05 million Singaporeans have used these credits to access a wide range of courses. The 2024 enhancements, like the Mid-Career Credits and the upcoming SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance (set for 2025), show the government’s commitment to supporting its workforce.

The credits cover courses from institutes of higher learning, SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes, and even online platforms like Udemy and Coursera, added in 2024. Claims for online learning subscriptions soared tenfold, from 266 in 2023 to 2,655 in 2024. This accessibility ensures that whether you’re a busy parent or a full-time employee, upskilling is within reach.

The Impact on Singapore’s Workforce and Economy

The ripple effects of this trend are profound. A more skilled workforce strengthens Singapore’s position as a global economic hub. In 2024, 95% of the 24,000 companies participating in SSG-supported programs were small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), highlighting how upskilling benefits businesses of all sizes. Employees who upskill bring fresh expertise, boosting productivity and innovation.

For individuals, the payoff is clear: better job prospects and higher employability. SSG reports that 98% of learners felt they performed better at work after training, while 93% said it advanced their careers. As more Singaporeans embrace courses with employment objectives, the nation’s resilience against economic disruptions grows stronger.

Top Courses Singaporeans Are Taking in 2024

So, what are Singaporeans learning? The courses gaining traction in 2024 reflect emerging industries and skills gaps. Some highlights include:

• Digital Skills: Data analytics, cybersecurity, and coding top the list as businesses digitize.
• Green Economy: Sustainability and renewable energy courses align with global climate goals.
• Care Economy: Healthcare and eldercare training meet the needs of an aging population.
• Career Transition Programs: SCTP courses in infocomm, advanced manufacturing, and professional services offer pathways to new roles.

These programs, often stackable toward full qualifications, ensure learners gain practical, job-ready skills.

What’s Next for SkillsFuture and Singaporeans?

The SkillsFuture journey is far from over. Looking ahead, SSG plans to refine course quality, with stricter criteria introduced in 2024 leading to 15% of audited providers being terminated or withdrawing. This ensures that only high-impact training remains available. The SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance, launching in 2025, will further support full-time learners by offsetting income loss, making long-form training more feasible.

For Singaporeans, the message is clear: now is the time to act. With more resources than ever, 2024 has proven that upskilling is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re eyeing a career switch or aiming to stay relevant, SkillsFuture credits are your ticket to a brighter future.