Signature Programme
SGUnited Skills Programme

In view of the COVID-19 situation, all our programmes are conducted online, whenever feasible. Depending on the nature of the lessons, there may be face-to-face lessons which will be conducted on campus. For the online lessons, we will require trainees to have access to a laptop and the internet. The online lessons can be delivered either synchronously (virtual classroom) or asynchronously (self-paced).

The SGUS is designed to cater to mid-career jobseekers who require support, this includes the SEPs. As long as they meet the pre-enrolment criteria, in-course requirements, are not on full-time employment, and make the necessary declaration, they will be eligible. Trainees will be assessed by the training provider on their suitability for the selected courses prior to enrolment. Do note that as the monthly training allowances are already provided to trainees under the SGUS, they will not be eligible for the hourly training allowance under the NTUC Training Fund (SEPs) nor the Workfare Skills Support Scheme (WSS). Self-employed trainees who are receiving the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS) from MOM - SIRS recipients will receive an additional $200 on top of their SIRS payouts. They will NOT receive the full $1,200 training allowance.

As the SGUS is a full-time training programme, existing trainees and jobseekers should not apply for the programme if they are unable to commit to full-time training over the six to 12-month training duration. NP highly recommends trainees complete the programme by meeting the minimum attendance requirements and pass the assessments to qualify for all the modules. As such, trainees are advised to avoid other commitments which may affect the completion of the programme.

Trainees will be assessed by the training provider on their suitability for the selected courses prior to enrolment. Academic qualifications are but one of several assessment criteria. So long as you meet the entry requirements stated in our SGUS programme website, you will be eligible to apply for the courses for PMET. Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least 5 years of relevant working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted may have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. NP reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.

For PMET programmes we generally accept Diplomas from the 5 polytechnics. However, for WSQ Diplomas, if combined with other certificates, we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

Even though it is a certificate instead of a Diploma, you will acquire valuable in-demand skills which under the SGUS programme NP will provide assistance in job placements as well. Some of our SGUS programmes are drawn from modules/curricula of the respective Full Qualification Diploma programmes and thus they are still credit-bearing and have specific demands on assessments. These mark the differentiation from the rest of the SGUS programmes which mainly have an emphasis on skills-based curricula.

Although the SGUS training is conducted in modular format and trainees have the flexibility to exit the programme once they find jobs, these programmes are full-time training programmes, and NP highly recommends trainees complete the programme by meeting the minimum attendance requirements and pass the assessments to qualify for all the modules. As mentioned in the main FAQ, trainees who exit the programme without a valid reason may be asked to return the course fee subsidy that they have received. And as the SGUS programme is designed to provide opportunities for as many Singaporeans and Permanent Residents as possible, individuals can only enrol in the either SGUnited Skills (SGUS) or SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Enterprise-based Training (SGUP-EBT) programme once. The possibility of re-joining the courses based on valid reasons of departure from the training is therefore strictly subject to the evaluation by SSG on a case-by-case basis.

No. In comparison, under the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme which are hosted by employers, opportunities for trainees to take on an enterprise attachment to gain industry-relevant experience with the host organisations will be available.

Although the nett fee after Government subsidy ranges from $500 for a 6-month programme to $1,000 for a 12-month programme, several 6-month NP SGUS programmes are coupled with a 3- month Bridging Programme making a 9-month programme at $750 including GST, and also there are a few programmes which are of duration 10-11 months, these programme fees are prorated accordingly. All fees have been kept affordable in line with the national SGUS initiative as the programme is targeted at unemployed individuals.

Trainees who need additional support in building up their foundational competencies (e.g. in workplace literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy) may be referred to take on bridging modules covering these skills as part of the SGUS programme. These modules could last up to 3 months, depending on the competency levels of the trainees.

No. It is not open for public applications. The programme is only offered to those who require it based on pre-admission evaluations and assessments.

SGUS comprises certifiable courses delivered by recognised Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centres, including Institutes of Higher Learning like NP. The training courses are designed in partnership with the industry to help trainees acquire industry-relevant skills that can improve their employability. Trainees will also have the chance to apply the skills learnt during the programme, through opportunities like capstone projects.

The NP SGUS programmes focus on digitalisation and infocomm technology skills which are applicable to various job roles which require data analytics, data visualisation, workflow automation, digital sales & marketing.

NP will work with the SGUS trainees to guide and facilitate in their job searches via self-help to various established job portals and career advisory & employment assistance during and after the SGUS courses, or to facilitate them to tap into more personalised skills and training advice via the various SGUnited Jobs and Skills events. However, trainees will receive such career advisory and employment assistance in their search for relevant jobs that will utilise their newly acquired skills, there is no guarantee of a job placement and trainees would need to be open to the job opportunities available. The SGUS programme is also eligible for the Enhanced Hiring Incentive, which was first introduced as part of the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Support Package in the February 2020 Unity Budget and expanded under the Fortitude Budget. The incentive has been expanded to cover workers of all ages, with higher support for those aged 40 and above. Employers who hire SGUS trainees aged below 40 can receive 20% salary support for 6 months (capped at $6,000 in total), while those who hire trainees aged 40 and above can receive 40% salary support for 6 months (capped at $12,000 in total).

The programme is conducted in a modular format which allows trainees the flexibility to leave the programme should they gain employment before the end of the full programme. Trainees are highly recommended to continue with the programme by making arrangements with their new employers to complete the programme.

Minimum 15 and maximum 25 pax for a typical class.

Once a class reaches the maximum number it could accommodate, it will be closed for enrolment. Any further interest to enrol in the next run will be waitlisted till it is scheduled in the subsequent months. If a class is over-subscribed, an additional class may be opened depending on the availability of resources. Applicants may also be recommended suitable alternative programs not oversubscribed. All applications will also be reviewed based on documents submitted (not first come first served basis) and offers will be made accordingly.

At the point of registering via our webpage, there is no requirement to submit any documents online. NP CET staff will subsequently follow up with applicants on document submissions. Instead of hardcopy document submission, we will email applicants to submit their documents online to us via softcopy (email) with a deadline. This is to check and ensure that they meet the minimum entry requirement. The following documents are required: 1) A copy of NRIC/valid Work Pass (front and back) 2) A copy of academic certificates and transcript 3) Updated resume / Curriculum Vitae

There will not be another application once the application closes based on the deadline. However, NP will consider applications which miss the deadline on a case-by-case basis.

Trainees who do not meet the minimum attendance for the month will not be eligible for the training allowance for that month. Trainees who exit the programme without a valid reason may be asked to return the course fee subsidy that they have received. Similar to existing requirements for other training grants administered by SSG, trainees must fulfil minimum attendance requirements and pass the assessments to qualify for course fee subsidies. Trainees who are unable to meet these requirements may be asked to return the course fee subsidies that they have received.

No. The monthly training allowance under SGUS is intended to help cover basic expenses incurred by the trainees over the duration of training and is paid on the following month upon meeting the minimum attendance for the months in which they attended the training.

In general, there will be no make-up class but trainers will render support to trainees who missed lessons for valid reasons, e.g. medical, to ensure their learning will not be adversely disrupted.

There will be no retake of assessment / test.

Registration for SGUS courses are opened now. For programmes yet to be confirmed with run dates, please register for interest and select “Other Course Programmes - SG United Skills Courses” under Course Type, so that NP can contact you once the programme dates are confirmed. The closing dates are usually 4 weeks before course starts. The applicants will also receive confirmation of their enrolment into the programmes at least 2 weeks before the start of course.

Pre-admission interview will be conducted via phone calls. The respective course leaders will arrange with the applicants in advance to schedule the pre-admission phone call.

NP will not be able to loan out laptops for its trainees.

No, all course materials are included in course fees and will be provided.

In order to provide opportunities for as many Singaporeans and Permanent Residents as possible, individuals can only enrol in the SGUS programme once.

Yes, you can pursue our post diploma courses. You can find them at /course-search/

No, there is no bond for the SGUS programme.

Upon being offered a place in the programme, payment will be required.

The nett fees are to be paid up front. In any case, NP will refund the nett course fees and GST (if any) for the unconsumed modules to the trainee. NP is also required to obtain prior written approval from SSG if NP is retaining the nett course fees in full or in part from trainee(s) who did not complete the course.

There is no instalment plan available for the SGUS programmes.

Yes, trainees can use their SkillsFuture Credit top-up and additional SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career Support) for SGUS programmes once they are enrolled, even before 1 Oct 2020 when those top-ups will be available for use across a wider set of programmes. Yes, the balance payment should be paid by the trainee either via online payment.

Bursaries are not available for the SGUS programmes.

Currently we do not issue student cards for trainees under the SGUS programme. In general, most of our facilities are not opened for access and utilisation during the current COVID-19 situation. The campus is also not opened for visitors or students without an authorisation letter. If a person requires to use the campus when he is not required to be on campus for valid reasons, NP will review on a case-by-case basis.

Generally no. It depends on the trainers. Revision can be conducted using the course notes.