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Did you know that there are several initiatives out there under the NTUC-Education and Training Fund (NETF) for you to tap on to defray your training costs?
The money from NETF is mainly pumped into the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP). We call this the “hidden treasure” because let’s face it – most of us only think of LinkPoints to offset our purchases at FairPrice when it comes to NTUC membership benefits, right?
Well, it’s time to milk your membership for all it is worth. UTAP funding is capped at $250 yearly per person!
1. UTAP
There are more than 3,000 training courses on NTUC’s webpage by various training providers. This includes courses under the Workfare Training Support scheme for low-income individuals aged 35 years old and above as well.
To help you choose, the courses are filtered by industries and training providers.
Besides applicable government subsidies, applicants can use UTAP to enjoy an additional 50 per cent off.
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Illustration: |
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WSQ Certificate in Workplace Safety & Health |
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Full Course Fees: |
$2,600* |
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Government Subsidy: |
-$2,340 |
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Course Fee Payable: |
$260 |
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UTAP Funding (50% of Unfunded Course Fee): |
$130 |
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You Pay: |
$130 |
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*course fees are only for illustration purposes and may be subjected to changes |
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After you have registered for your selected course, login to your U Portal account to submit your UTAP application.
Note: Make your claim within six months of your course’s end date. Late applications will be rejected.
2. Online/Blended Courses by Institutes of Higher Learning
Under a partnership, NTUC and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) College of Professional and Continuing Education have identified 28 of NTU’s programmes for technology-enhanced learning.
What this means is that you can choose to learn only what you need and at your own pace.
The courses are flexible, modular and bite-sized, so you can pick up knowledge without pursuing a full degree qualification. However, if you wish to, the courses can also be stacked towards a full degree.
Course materials are also uploaded online for you to study anytime and anywhere.
Spanning 13 weeks, the part-time courses are offered in engineering, sciences, computing, and business fields.
Looking for courses in other fields? Singapore University of Social Sciences has over 100 pages full of electives here.
Now for the best part - you can enjoy UTAP funding on 75 per cent of the course fee after government subsidy for courses in both universities. For more information, email students@suss.edu.sg.
Note: You must achieve a minimum of 75 per cent attendance for each application and must have sat for all prescribed examination(s), if any. UTAP application must be submitted to the course providers at the point of registration.
3. UTAP Development Series
UTAP Development Series is a series of short courses developed in collaboration with NTUC LearningHub to enhance your foundational skills.
Each course costs only $20 after UTAP funding, no kidding.
4. SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace
If you know of anyone who is still not too comfortable with technology or need a refresher yourself, consider the two-day SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace (SFDW) course.
Opening up eyes and minds to technology and innovation, the course helps participants to understand and cope with the needs of the evolving work environment. It also deepens knowledge in cyber risks and data management.
Attendees should, however, have basic digital skills like the ability to operate smart devices and communication platforms such as email and WhatsApp.
Costing only $10 after subsidies by SkillsFuture Singapore and NETF, it is no wonder that SFDW is one of the most popular courses. And if you have some SkillsFuture Credits left to offset it, then the course is free!
Click here for a list of training providers you can approach.
