Singapore is gearing up for a revamp of its SkillsFuture programme that promises to empower professionals with the skills they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving, digital-oriented job market. 

With a renewed focus on upskilling, this revamp is set to provide mid-career professionals with a wealth of opportunities to enhance their skill sets and stay competitive in their careers.

Read: Amid economic doomsaying, Singapore upskills workforce

Understanding the SkillsFuture revamp

The SkillsFuture programme, first introduced in 2015, has been a cornerstone of Singapore's commitment to lifelong learning and skills development. 

The planned revamp is set to build on this foundation, bringing fresh and dynamic elements to the programme. 

One of the primary goals of this revamp is to make Singapore’s workforce more agile, preparing individuals for the challenges of a rapidly transforming job market.

While the specifics of the revamp are still in development, one thing is clear: upskilling will be at the heart of the programme. 

Mid-career professionals, in particular, will find numerous opportunities to enhance their skill sets and secure a brighter future in their chosen fields.

Read: Why on-the-job learning is inevitable for employees’ development’

Making the most of the SkillsFuture revamp

There are a lot of ways to upskill should the SkillsFuture revamp push through, but the ones that will help mid-career professionals increase their value is on the digital side of things.

At this point, there is no doubt that the future of business is digital, and the skills the market will need will always be leaning to the tenets of a technology-driven world. 

Here are 7 skills that you may want to pursue when once the revamp is on.

Data Analysis and interpretation 

In an increasingly data-driven world, the ability to analyse and interpret data is a valuable skill. This skill will be in demand across various industries, from finance to healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning

AI and ML are transforming industries. Learning these technologies opens doors to careers in automation, predictive analytics, and more.

Digital Marketing and SEO

Businesses continue to expand their online presence, making digital marketing expertise crucial. From SEO to social media advertising, these skills are vital in the digital age.

Cybersecurity

With the growing reliance on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity skills are essential to protect sensitive information. There will be a strong demand for professionals who can safeguard digital assets.

Project management and agile methodologies

Effective project management skills are in high demand across industries. Learning how to lead and execute projects successfully is an asset that can advance your career.

Cloud Computing and DevOps

As organisations shift to cloud-based solutions and agile development, expertise in cloud computing and DevOps is highly valued.

Coding and software development

Proficiency in coding will help you penetrate markets beyond your current one as businesses would need this skill for their digital transformation. You can start with learning low code development, which makes coding a bit friendlier for non-technical people. 

The importance of upskilling

The above-mentioned skills may sound daunting because of the seemingly steep learning curve they present. 

However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t learn these skills at your age. In fact, being backed by a revamped SkillsFuture program may make it easier for you to focus on upskilling. 

Mid-career professionals who invest in their skill development not only increase their employability but also open doors to new career opportunities. 

Whether you're seeking a promotion within your current organisation or exploring a different field, upskilling equips you with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

Mid-career learning is possible

Learning mid-career can be a powerful move, and it's not as daunting as it might seem. Recent studies have shown that mid-career learning leads to significant benefits. 

According to a study by the World Economic Forum, individuals who embrace lifelong learning are more likely to adapt to labor market changes and maintain their employability. 

The research highlights that 54% of all employees will require significant upskilling or reskilling by 2022, and lifelong learning is a key strategy to address this need.

Moreover, data from the Pew Research Center indicates that, among American adults who pursued additional education later in life, 63% reported career benefits. 

The findings emphasise that it's never too late to invest in learning, and the SkillsFuture revamp presents an opportunity for mid-career professionals to do just that. 

By staying open to upskilling and embracing the evolving job market, individuals can confidently navigate the dynamic workforce landscape.