Coaching Aligned to SkillsFuture Singapore: Empowering Workforce Development

SkillsFuture Singapore continues to evolve its initiatives to meet the changing needs of Singapore's workforce and economy. We’ve seen numerous initiatives from large organisations to align coaching to the SkillsFuture initiatives to compound their effectiveness for the organization. Here's an overview of the latest announcements, trends, and how companies can maximize the benefits of the SkillsFuture program along with coaching.

The SkillsFuture initiative was launched in 2015 by the Singapore government as a national movement to promote lifelong learning and skills mastery, and has had several major updates and continuous improvements in the years since. It was designed to help Singaporeans adapt to the changing job market and economy. Throughout its history, the SkillsFuture fund has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of Singapore's workforce and economy. The government has regularly increased funding and expanded programs to ensure the initiative remains relevant and effective in supporting lifelong learning and skills development for Singaporeans. 

See more about the SkillsFuture initiative in an interview with Soon Joo Gog, Chief Skills Officer of SkillsFuture here:

The most recent enhancements in 2023 included initiatives to continue supporting Singaporeans to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as:

1. Enhanced funding support: The government has increased funding for various SkillsFuture programs, particularly those focused on emerging technologies and digital skills.
2. New industry partnerships: SkillsFuture Singapore has partnered with more industry leaders to develop relevant training programs and certifications.
3. Focus on mid-career professionals: There's an increased emphasis on supporting mid-career workers in their upskilling and reskilling efforts.

While the initiative has been generally very well-received, it has also faced challenges, including ensuring widespread participation and measuring long-term impact. These are challenges that all corporate L&D leaders are well familiar with in a corporate setting, so there’s no surprises from practitioners here! The government continues to refine and improve SkillsFuture based on feedback and changing economic needs. There lies a great opportunity to align SkillsFuture initiatives with coaching to ensure their compounded impact within companies. 

Maximizing SkillsFuture Benefits for Companies

We’ve observed that companies in Singapore are increasingly integrating the SkillsFuture initiative into their internal development programs with impressive results. Forward-thinking organizations are aligning their training curricula with SkillsFuture-approved courses, allowing employees to utilize their credits while simultaneously meeting company-specific skill needs. Some firms have gone a step further by creating internal SkillsFuture "navigators" - dedicated staff who guide employees through the available options and help them make informed decisions about their learning journeys. 

Where BOLDLY has seen particular success is in the integration of coaching alongside SkillsFuture programs. Companies are pairing employees with coaches who help them reflect on their SkillsFuture learnings, identify practical applications in their current roles, and strategize on how to leverage new skills for career advancement. This coaching component serves to enhance the retention and application of knowledge gained through SkillsFuture courses, creating a more robust and personalized development experience. By enmeshing coaching with SkillsFuture initiatives, companies are not only maximizing the government's resources but also fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth that extends beyond formal training sessions.

Here’s some practical recommendations to ensure you’re maximising the SkillsFuture opportunity for your company:

1. Conduct skills gap analysis: Identify areas where your workforce needs improvement and align these with SkillsFuture offerings.
2. Encourage continuous learning: Create a culture that values ongoing education and skill development.
3. Leverage SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit: Utilize available funding to support your employees' training needs.
4. Participate in SkillsFuture Queen Bee networks: Collaborate with other companies to share best practices in skills development.
5. Align coaching to skill development pathways: group coaching or learning hubs can be a valuable way for organizations to double-down on critical skills aligned to their business strategy.

Coaching as a Catalyst for Skill Development

Coaching can play a crucial role in accelerating skill development. If we consider 2 target populations: mid-career professionals, and tech talent in Singapore, there are several ways coaching can be uniquely positioned to compliment the SkillsFuture initiatives:

1. Personalized learning paths: Coaches can help individuals identify their strengths and areas for improvement, creating tailored development plans, utilizing the SkillsFuture resources.
2. Bridging generational gaps: Coaching can facilitate knowledge transfer between experienced workers and younger professionals.
3. Adapting to technological changes: For tech professionals, coaches can provide guidance on staying current with rapidly evolving technologies as we enter the 4th industrial revolution with AI.
4. Boosting confidence: Coaching can help mid-career and older workers overcome barriers to learning new skills, particularly in technology-related fields.
5. Enhancing soft skills: While SkillsFuture focuses on technical skills, coaching can complement this by developing essential soft skills like communication and adaptability.

For a more comprehensive analysis of how coaching can enhance skill development in Singapore's workforce, BOLDLY's e-book on this topic provides valuable insights and strategies. This resource offers a deeper dive into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Singapore's aging workforce and the rapidly changing technology sector.

By leveraging SkillsFuture initiatives and incorporating effective coaching strategies, companies in Singapore can ensure their staff are well-equipped to meet the demands of the future economy. This holistic approach to workforce development will be crucial in maintaining Singapore's competitive edge in the global market.

If you're interested in learning more about how BOLDLY can help your organisation, we invite you to explore our website or write to us at connect@boldly.app.

About the Author:

Alexandra Lamb is an accomplished organisational development practitioner, with experience across APAC, North America, and MENA. With 20+ years in professional practice, conglomerates, and startups, she has collaborated with rapid-growth companies and industry innovators to develop leaders and high-performance teams. She is particularly experienced in talent strategy as a driver for business growth. Drawing from her experience in the fields of talent management, psychology, coaching, product development, and human-centred design, Alex prides herself on using commercial acumen to design talent solutions with true impact.