NYP and WDA collaborate to launch two new SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes for the Design sector

Singapore, 19 May 2016 – From enhancing visual appeal to improving functionality, the roles of designers have expanded beyond the aesthetics, making them key contributors in various aspects of different organisations. Designers, like engineers, are increasingly seen as innovative and enterprising problem-solvers. As expectations of designers grow in tandem with technological advancement, skilful and capable designers are required more than ever in a multitude of industries.

To meet the ever-changing industry demands, Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) officially launched two new SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes today – one for Spatial Design and the other for Visual Communication – for sectors that require design professionals like those in exhibitions, interior design, advertising and creative agencies. Supporting the launch of these programmes are Ngee Ann, Republic, Singapore and Temasek Polytechnics as well as 25 companies. In total, these companies recruited 34 participants in the two programmes.

The launch ceremony at NYP was witnessed by Guest-of-Honour Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. In support of the national SkillsFuture movement, NYP leads the Design Sector Coordination Team (SCT) comprising all five polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

The two new SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes are targeted at fresh polytechnic design graduates who wish to deepen their skills through a 12-month structured work-study programme which combines classroom learning and on-the-job training. Upon completion of the programme, participants will graduate with a Specialist Diploma in Spatial Design or Visual Communication. Participants would be hired as Junior Designers in job areas such as interior and space design, branding and advertising, and progress through the programme to become Designers.

Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of WDA, said: “Visual Communication and Spatial Design are among the 10 new sectors under the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme. There continues to be strong demand among employers in areas such as advertising, branding, interior and space design. For fresh polytechnic graduates, good jobs are available in the Design sector, with ample opportunities for them to deepen their skills.”

The companies that have committed to these SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes comprise both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as MLA Special Events as well as multinational corporations (MNCs) like Fossil Singapore. (Please see the Annex for a full list of companies).

Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & CEO, Nanyang Polytechnic, acknowledged the important role both the industry and educational institutions play in the Programme, and added: “As designers, it is important to innovate and seek the best design solutions to cater to the differing needs of sophisticated consumers who look beyond aesthetics. As the sector co-ordinator for the design industry, Nanyang Polytechnic looks forward to working closely with the other polytechnics and the industry to champion the development and retention of talent for the industry. When fresh graduates embark on the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes, they will dive deeper into their areas of specialisation, further enhancing what they have learnt in school, allowing them to enjoy a head-start and progress in their careers.”

NYP graduate, Ms Shermin Shu from the Diploma of Visual Communication, who will embark on the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme at MLA Special Events as a junior graphic designer, said: “I am excited to learn as much as I can from this experience, especially in the area of graphic design. My three years in NYP have helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses, and I want to take my skills and knowledge to the next level. I believe this programme will further hone my skills as a designer, and help me realise my goal to build a fashion brand for plus-sized women around the world.”

://.wda.gov.sg/content/wdawebsite/L209-001About-Us/L219-PressReleases/19_May_2016.html