Singapore Polytechnic supports the SGUnited jobs and Skills Package to help job seekers

16 Apr 2021

Deck Officers from the SGUnited Skills Programme, for mid-careerists to re-skill and up-skill



First batch of Deck Officers (CoC 1 and 2) ready to sail the seas again
After spending years at sea, 21 candidates have returned to the classroom in a bid to further their maritime career. The candidates have previously been licensed as Deck Officer (Certificate of Competency 3), which enabled them to sail on board vessels from the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and more.
Singapore Polytechnic took the chance to develop Deck Officer (CoC 1 and 2) through the SGUnited Skills Programme, to enable maritime practitioners to up-skill when they saw candidates had their jobs affected during the global pandemic. Upon obtaining their licence for CoC 1 and 2, participants can look forward to further their careers at sea as First and Second Officers, depending on their past experience.
According to participant Nurul Sahira Binte Sha’ri, 25, “I completed my Diploma in Nautical studies and have seafaring experience. I am looking to further my career and the CoC 1 and 2 allows me to build in-depth knowledge which is useful on-board.”

Returning back to sea
To assist candidates in their pursuit back to the maritime sector, Singapore Polytechnic has linked up with several agencies, industry partners and shipping companies to seek open vacancies.
A career preparatory workshop organized with specialist recruiter, Direct Search Global, has also been put in place. Participants were able to obtain the latest industry insights, access a wider range of job opportunities and learnt how to craft a desired resume. They have found the workshop useful in enabling them to improve their chances of landing an interview.
 Of the SGUS programme, participant Abdul Latiff Bin Pri, 57, says “I would definitely recommend this course to seafarers with the intention to upgrade themselves. With these skills, there is better job prospects on-and-off shore.”

As of date, Singapore Polytechnic has offered up to 21 SGUS programmes to more than 1000 trainees since Aug 2020. SP is committed to support the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package to help job seekers. Hiring employers may find out more about the SGUS programme here - https://www.sp.edu.sg/pace/sgus-companies