Classes still on at night at the polys - for adults

11 Sep 2017

The Straits Times, 11 Sept 2017 - Article highlighted that the polytechnics are enhancing offerings for older learners as full-time enrolments fall. The number of training places that were filled by older students grew from 42,000 in 2012 to 77,000 last year. The polytechnics are also ramping up courses in in-demand areas such as data science, business intelligence and cyber security. These programmes - which include the Earn and Learn courses, specialist and advanced diplomas, and shorter modules - are funded by MOE and SkillsFuture Singapore. Mr Suresh Punjabi, director of SP’s Professional and Adult Continuing Education Academy (PACE), said some 1,500 students attend night classes every week. One of them is 49-year-old Annie Ng, who went for evening classes at SP twice a week for a year. She completed the specialist diploma in Web development technology in April. Mr Albert Toh, director of RP’s Academy of Continuing Education, said that beyond full qualifications like a diploma or degree, the call today is for workers to upskill or learn a second skill. Similar story was reported in The New Paper.