By Avelyn Ng
General Assembly, an educator in 20 cities across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, made its foray into Singapore about two years ago.
Sticking to its ethos in bridging skills gaps in the future economy, General Assembly Singapore (GA Singapore) currently offers courses to both individuals and companies in five niche areas: coding, UX design, data, digital marketing and product management.
“Seeing education as an investment, we try to make sure students get the most returns. We reduce the opportunity cost by shortening the time required and focusing on skillsets that are highly-relevant.
“We aim to bridge education to employment by equipping students with the kind of skills that employers need. Our courses are very hands-on and project based, and that’s what employers are looking for – proof that students have applied their skills to building something,” said General Assembly’s Regional Director for Singapore, Aziza Sheerin.
About the Learners
GA Singapore’s immersive programmes take up to 480 hours over 10 to 12 weeks, while online or part-time ones can take just 40 hours over the same period. According to Aziza, the enrolment mix in the former category is mainly career-switchers while the latter categories see professionals who are funded by their employers for upskilling.
“We also have a few non-technical entrepreneurs coming in… Many of them have great ideas but are unsure as to what technologies are needed or how to go about building their product. Even if you are not the one doing the groundwork, you will have to know how to manage your team and what deliverables to expect.
“Some people only think about upskilling when it becomes an absolute necessity but they need to change their mindsets and look at education as a continued path and be proactively thinking about where their careers are heading. The skills required in the workforce are changing so fast and we need to stay ahead. We work with a number of companies to provide customised content that meets their needs,” said Aziza.
While data science has been around for a while in the United States, it has just taken Singapore by storm. Observing that the part-time course for data science has been fully-subscribed, Aziza has decided to bring its full-time immersive programme to Singapore as well. The first intake starts 28 August 2017.
Building a Community
GA Singapore’s key outreach strategies lie in event partnerships. Last year, 18,000 people attended its events. They included public workshops on how technology is permeating into lifestyle aspects such as food, fashion and finances.
It joined NTUC as a U Associate last year. Since then, GA Singapore has been working with NTUC to conduct complimentary introductory courses and curate industrial talks for union members.
Together, they have explored topics such as future careers, productivity tools, generating viral content and raising funds.
“NTUC has been very forward-thinking when it comes to envisioning where the economy is going and engaging the labour force in active conversations about how to be prepared for it. We are happy to partner with NTUC, reach out to their membership base of working professionals, and educate more on the opportunities in tech, data, and digital fields. Our joint events are great avenues for people who have not pinned down exactly where they want to move into. It provides a preview into what the industries beyond their own are like,” explained Aziza.
Insider's Guide
Established in Singapore: 2015
Why: To provide training in today’s most in-demand tech and digital skills, and close the global skills gap as individuals and companies struggle to compete in an increasingly technological economy.
Became an NTUC U Associate on: Dec 2016
Did You Know: General Assembly has partnered with the Info-communications Media Development Authority as its pilot partner in the Tech Immersion and Placement Programme. Singaporeans who are admitted to one of its immersive programmes will receive a $7,000 subsidy.
It currently has 35,000 alumni worldwide. Students in the Immersive courses receive “Outcomes Support”, which gives them career advice and exposes them to job opportunities.
Source: NTUC This Week
