Work-Study Programme vs New Job: Which is better?

 As a fresh graduate, it is normal to face rejections when applying for your first job. The cut-throat competition and company expectations require job seekers to upskill in order to stand a chance of employment.

In such scenarios, many people are often confused between applying for jobs relentlessly or to enroll in a SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme (WSP), where they can earn a salary while studying. While the latter seems obvious for a structured career progression, many fresh graduates still sway towards looking for a job.

Well, here are some reasons why enrolling yourself in a WSP is better than sitting idle and hunting for jobs.

You Won't Sit Idle

In a Work-Study arrangement, you will work full time during the day and get trained by mentors after your shift. This means you won't waste your time hoping to get a job or procrastinating about upskilling yourself. You will be busy upskilling yourself through structured On-The-Job-Trainings (OJTs) aligned to your WSP framework.

Structured Career Progression

In a Work-Study Programme, your training will be aligned to the participating company’s procedures, frameworks and job roles. This gives you a clear indication of what is required from you and how you can progress in the company. By enrolling in this, you will also be assigned a mentor who will guide and support you along the way. Unlike job hunting, a WSP gives you a sense of direction and allows you to plan your career progression with the company.

Practical Experience and Training

During the programme, you will receive On-the-Job Trainings where you’ll be able to apply what you have learnt in theoretical lessons. The first-hand experience of working in the industry will provide you with a better relevancy to your course of study.

Earn While You Learn

In a WSP, you will be earning a salary while you learn and upskill yourself as an employee whereas during a job hunt, it will come out from your own expenses to attend for courses or workshops to improve your employability.

Final Word

A WSP gives you a structured career progression, allowing you to apply what you have learnt immediately and most importantly, enables you to earn while you learn. It is thus a much better option than job hunting for fresh graduates in Singapore.

Looking to Kickstart a Career as a Digital Content Marketing Expert? Explore Work-Study Opportunities Today!

 A Digital Content Specialist is responsible for developing, managing, and executing a company's digital content strategy. This may include creating and publishing original content, managing social media accounts, and tracking web analytics. To be successful in this role, you must be able to think strategically and be familiar with a variety of digital marketing tools. The professional is also responsible for communicating with various teams in the company to ensure the success of online campaigns.

 

As a fresh graduate, getting a job as a Content Marketing Specialist might be challenging as your resume doesn't have the relevant skills and competencies to justify the job role. This is where a Specialist Diploma as part of a Work-Study Programme in Digital Content Marketing can come in handy. Read on to discover how to ensure career progression as a Digital Content Marketing specialist with a Work-Study Programme.

 

Understanding a Work-Study Programme (WSP)

A Work-Study Programme is an arrangement where fresh graduates can deepen their existing skillset and knowledge using structured OJTs (On-The-Job-Trainings) with participating companies that operate simultaneously with facilitated learning. From Part-Time to Advanced Diploma, several certification courses allow fresh graduates to jump start their full-time careers and ensure better career progression.

 

How a Digital Content Marketing Course in a WSP Can Help

The Digital Content Marketing Advanced Diploma course is offered jointly by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the Singapore Polytechnic (SP). It is a 12-month programme that focuses on three industry aspects: Info-communications Technology, Marketing and Media. You also get an S$5,000 sign-on incentive if you complete your Work-Study course successfully.

 

After completing the WSP, here is how you will be able to add value to companies as a Digital Content Marketing (DCM) Specialist:

 

Design and Optimise Digital Campaigns

As a DCM Specialist, you will know the nuances of online campaigns like Facebook and Google Ads. This will help you design and optimise winning ad campaigns that appeal to the business' target audience and lead to more engagement, leads and sales. You will also be able to track campaigns' progress and make changes wherever required.

 

Understand SEO and Create Compelling Content

As a DCM Specialist, you will have a good understanding of SEO. You will be able to create content that ranks well on search engines. This will help bring in more organic traffic to the website and improve the business's visibility. In addition to this, you will also be responsible for creating compelling and engaging content that resonates with the target audience and drives conversions.

 

Analyse Data and Generate Insights

Data is a crucial part of any digital marketing campaign. As a DCM Specialist, you will be responsible for analysing data and generating insights that can help improve the performance of campaigns. You will also need to keep track of industry trends and competitor activity so that the business can stay ahead of the curve.

 

Manage Social Media Accounts

In today's day and age, social media is a powerful tool that can be used to reach out to potential customers and build relationships. As a DCM Specialist, you will manage the business's social media accounts and create content that aligns with the business's goals. You will also need to engage with followers, answer their queries and build a positive reputation for the business.

 

So Why Wait?

Digital Content Marketing Specialists are in high demand because they provide a lot of value to a business. You can pursue a Specialist Diploma in Digital Content Marketing with a Work-Study Programme for better career progression.

Head-Start In Digital Content Marketing By Doing A Work-Study Programme

Content marketing helps a business connect with its current and potential consumers with a strategic marketing approach focussed on creating and distributing relevant and informative content. To reach the target readers, the content marketers take help of blogs, eBooks, social media posts, graphics, and videos. Content marketing attracts potential customers, keeps them engaged, and moves them further the sales channel.

To master the skills of content marketing right after your graduation from one of the Polytechnics, you need to consider the Work-Study Programme. The Work-Study Programme (Digital Content Marketing) (WSProg-DCM) helps fresh graduates kick-start their careers with participating companies (with salary based on market rate), along with a structured part-time training from Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

How the course helps

During the 12 months training period, trainees will be attending lessons to get a better insight about the niche. On-the Job Training (OJT) with participating companies will let them create value for consumers using the following digital marketing strategies:

Customer engagement: The individuals will understand how blogs and landing pages can capture web traffic from organic search and other sources.

Brand awareness and thought ownership: Applicants will nurture creativity and deliver unique content that can establish a brand successfully.

Lead generation and nurturing: The trainees plan campaigns on how to keep the potential customers engaged throughout the sales cycle.

Once you complete the training successfully, your skills will help your company stay ahead in the competitive market. Even during a crisis period the company will look up to you for alternate strategies and support business goals. It has been seen that constant nurturing of skills has often resulted in getting promotions faster than others. In Singapore, the average salary of a content marketing manager in a year is S$61,242.00.

As every business depends on digital solutions, the demand for skilled digital content marketers is huge. Right after your graduation in Singapore, if you are a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident, you can submit your application for the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme.

Along with a comprehensive training, shortlisted candidates are eligible for an S$5,000.00 sign-on incentive. Along with classroom sessions, e-learning will also be used to allow participants greater flexibility to learn independently at their own pace.

Work-Study Programme has an innovative training module which gives fresh graduates an industry exposure and they also participate in facilitated learning conducted by the Singapore Polytechnic. When a participant completes the WSProg-DCM, the person will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. If you want to browse through some of the other WSPs, you can do it here.

Work-Study Programme in Chemical Laboratory Technology: Increasing Employability

 Have you always thought of staying in the field of chemical engineering where you can assist and also experiment? Then you must choose Chemical Laboratory Technician as your preferred career option. In this profession, you will be in charge of assisting chemists in a laboratory and also perform experiments with established regulations. Developing skills in this field with an 18-months Work-Study Programme can really help in the long run.

The course involves facilitated learning from Singapore Polytechnic and On-the-Job Training (OJT) with a participating company. Singapore wants its workforce to be strong enough to help in economic growth. This is the reason why ITE graduates, who want a head-start in their career, must consider the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme. The comprehensive training develops the skills of the trainees to match the industry requirements. The future professionals, during their training with the participating companies, will get to follow preventive maintenance measures and report any malfunction to the management.

How to participate

To register for the programme, one must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (PR). Only candidates who are shortlisted by Singapore Polytechnic and hosting companies will be further taken for interviews. If you want to submit your application for interest, you can do it here. Your industry-relevant knowledge and working with modern-day laboratory tools can get you a job from which you can get an average salary of S$30,299/ year.

In the coming years, demand for new talents with the best industry-specific skills is expected to grow. The Work-Study Programme (WSP) makes sure the trainees get the best-in-class infrastructure to work and learn at the same time. The constant nurturing of skills helps fresh graduates to overcome work challenges easily and produce optimum results.  The training adds value to your resume other than your tertiary education and helps employers identify your interest to upskill and stay productive.

Applicants who undergo the training, and work as Chemical Laboratory Technicians will get a chance to execute the following tasks:

●      Maintain accurate records and report results.

●      Complete test on in-process products with the help of UV and HPLC instruments.

●      Prepare and analyse samples and meet other regulatory standards.

●      Be a subject matter expert.

●      Follow all the safety measures to minimise errors.

Your job responsibilities will increase as you take on new roles. Along with training come several benefits. Singaporeans who qualified for the programme are eligible for a sign-on incentive of $5000 and upon successful completion of the programme. Participants who continue their learning (part-time) for another 2 semesters will be conferred a Diploma qualification from Singapore Polytechnic.

Scope of Enrolling in SGUnited Skills Programme in Computer Engineering

Singapore actively promotes short courses through the SGUnited Skills Programme, that are welcoming job seekers to apply for training. The course duration runs between six (6) to seven (7) months. Within this period, trainees participate in various engaging activities to delve deeper into their domain of expertise.

If you wish to beat the competition from other Computer Engineers in the market, then you will need to get in touch with SP PACE Academy. You will find excellent faculty along with streamlined course content as the training provider works with some of the major companies that offers some of the most modern technologies. If you seem to be an efficient candidate then SGUnited jobs & skills can secure your position in one of the participating companies.

During the seven (7) months of extensive training, trainees will be a part of the comprehensive course curriculum. It will include a clear understanding of hardware, software, information processing, networking and data management.

The trainees will get a research opportunity to delve deeper into the subject. Through assessments at regular intervals, candidates will be able to understand the progress of the course. To receive the above benefits, you just need to enrol for the Computer Engineering course and take interest in learning. SP PACE Academy truly understands the value of time for job seekers so it has kept its SGUS courses short and industry-relevant.

The unexpected COVID-19 breakout has proved to be an existing issue for many sectors. To combat the situation, job sectors require professionals who can provide fast and accurate solutions to problems. This has given rise to upskilling and reskilling. There are multiple opportunities for people in Singapore who possess the qualities to accelerate the nation’s economy.

Companies want existing employees to refuel their skills and add new talents to their workforce pipeline. Hence, it is important to attend SGUnited Skills training to keep youself updated of the latest industry trends.

There is always a demand for well-trained computer engineers now and in the future as most businesses are adopting digital ways of operation.

If you want to give smart solutions to your organisation and see steady growth in your career then you must seek upskilling or reskilling. 

The Ease of Attending Certification Programmes Even During COVID-19

Mid-career professionals and fresh graduates are always trying to find ways to upskill and get better job opportunities. In light of the pandemic, many Certification Programmes have shifted their lessons online to continue to cater to their needs.

The experience of virtual training is not too different from classroom sessions. There are still experienced trainers present to impart their knowledge and expand your skillsets, while keeping learning interactive.

Due to the safe management measures imposed by the Government, Continuing Education & Training (CET) providers have to abide by all safety regulations. Since in-person classes will be restricted for the time being, the new normal has shifted to using digital classes to impart the best training. Most of the lesson contents are now readily available online and trainers have adopted new methods of teaching that includes webinars, pre-recorded videos, live streaming, online assessments and more.

Consistent approach: As more courses are shifting to online learning, learners have found that it is now easier and more convenient to communicate with their trainers whenever required. Contents are also customized and uploaded rapidly on the online portals of the CET providers.

Outcomes stay the same: Demand for e-learning courses in Singapore has also seen a surge during the pandemic. Learners can also easily network with each other online and open up more doors of opportunities in future.

Frequent conversation: In the past, conversation may be restricted to within the classrooms. With the implementation of online training, conversation with fellow trainees and trainers has become more seamless. We can now easily receive feedback and guidance.

COVID-19 is here to stay for some time and it is inevitable for most companies to shift their business processes online. Some professionals are at risk of losing their jobs due to a lack of digital skills.

Upskilling is very important to fill up the skills gap. If you have top-notch domain knowledge, you can easily set yourself apart from your colleagues and climb the corporate ladder faster.

Harness the Power of Robotics & Automation through SGUnited Skills (SGUS) Programme

Companies in the automation industry globally are increasingly shifting their focus towards robotics assistance. Along with supervision by professionals, we’re seeing an increase in terms of the efficiency rate.

Today’s most advanced automation systems have added capabilities that can produce quality manufacturing results. Introduction of these advanced automation systems have seen companies increase productivity level, diminishing errors, while helping the employees stay safe from hazardous works.

It could be challenging for individuals who are in their mid-career to develop the technical skills in such a rapidly growing environment. With the help of SGUnited Skills (SGUS) Programme from SP PACE Academy, individuals will be able enhance their knowledge at ease with the facilitation from the programme, while keeping up with the growth and changes of the industry at the same time.

Along with other technical courses, the institution has come up with a seven months course in Robotics & Automation. If you upskill in the field of automation then there is no looking back for the upcoming years. Robots will soon minimise labour, but programming them and developing them will be in the hands of humans. Companies will resort to automation but there needs to be human monitoring always.

The seven months course in Robotic & Automation, along with other technical courses will enhance the industry knowledge of individuals through the training and learning process of the programme, especially with the increasing potential of companies in the relevant industries turing their focus towards Robotic & Automation.

The course is suitable for non-mechanical graduates who are looking to get exhaustive training from experienced mentors and industry experts for more job opportunities in Singapore.

You can enhance your skillset and be a part of the following industries:

• Manufacturing
• Precision Engineering
• Biopharmaceuticals Manufacturing
• Food Manufacturing
• Energy and Chemicals
• Logistics
• Air Transport

As the ongoing pandemic has shown, individuals who are constantly upskilling themselves are likely to be in the driving seat when it comes to job opportunities. Organizations are constantly on the lookout for competent individuals to close the gap amongst other industry competitiors. With the SGUS Programme, the training goes beyond the classroom setting. Indiviuals will under go a 3 months practicum session where they will be exposed toindustry environment setting to help them get up to speed with the requirements of the potential job placement. If the performance is of satisfactory to the organizations, they increase their chance of being hired.

With SP PACE Academy, you can find plentiful of such opportunities with our courses available. You may also refer here for more information on the SGUS Programme.