Wondering what to do with your SkillsFuture Credit? Instead of letting it lie dormant and go to waste, why not start the year by acquiring some new skills?
After all, you never know when they might come in handy and open up new opportunities in the future.
Here are some of our favourite courses under S$500. That means no out-of-pocket costs for those who have not used their SkillsFuture Credit.
Remember, not only is learning a lifelong process, it need not be a dull or expensive affair.
1. Brew your own Coffee
Judging by the explosion of cafes offering up specialty coffee, it is safe to say that we are a nation of coffee lovers.
Instead of paying S$5 for a latte or surviving on 3-in-1 coffee, you can learn to be a barista and make your own from home.
In this introductory course, coffee noobs and lovers alike can learn how to set a grinder, foam and texture milk, and pick up the fundamental techniques of latte art.
Mastering the basics, you will be able to prepare and serve a mean cup of coffee that is brewed to café standards and save yourself some money as coffee takeaways become a thing of the past.
SCA: Barista Skills Foundation
Course Fee: S$448
2. Get started on baking
Buying from a bakery might be convenient, but baking your own bread and cakes has many benefits. Not only is it a much healthier option since you can customise the ingredients, it is also a great way to save money.
Besides basic bread-making, there is a dazzling array of courses where you can learn how to make a hipster-approved sourdough or recreate a hotdog bun at home.
Not into bread? Bake a cake instead, or challenge yourself to recreate one of those Ladurée-inspired macaroons that are delicious and Insta-perfect!
The sense of achievement from a successful bake is priceless. And in no time, you will find nothing more satisfying than eating something you have baked from scratch.
Savoury Bun and Bread Roll Making Workshop
Course Fee: S$264
Art of Bread Making – Sourdough
Course Fee: S$233.65
Course Fee: S$432
3. Become an upcycling expert
Upcycling is a great way to reduce waste and give items destined for the bin a new lease of life.
However, many of us are clueless about how to begin. As such, why not sign up for an upcycling course for some inspiration?
With a tad of imagination and determination, recycled sachets and wrappers can be transformed into bags, jewellery and much more.
Who knows, these courses might unleash your inner creativity. And what might have started off as a hobby could become a business or side hustle.
Course Fee: S$180
Eco Jewellery: Jewellery Making using recycled materials
Course Fee: S$380
4. Turn into a dancing queen (or king)
Exercise doesn’t have to be monotonous.
Instead of hitting the gym or running around the park, think Dancing with the Stars and pick up some dance moves instead. It is a full-cardio workout that gets your heart pumping and tones the whole body.
Sign up for a street dance course and learn how to rock the dance floor with popular party dances, signature grooves and iconic moves.
Alternatively, channel your inner swan and challenge yourself to some ballet lessons.
In addition, the People’s Association also offers a variety of dance courses such as line dancing, ballroom dancing, and even Bollywood dance.
As we work towards a Healthier SG, staying active is one of the best ways to keep ourselves healthy and prevent potential health problems.
Course Fee: S$280.37
Course Fee: S$300
5. Learn a new language (or two)
English might be the lingua franca worldwide, but there is nothing more satisfying than to be able to communicate with strangers in their native tongue to build camaraderie.
And now that many of us are travelling again, there is no better time to learn a new language.
Hoping to bargain in Thai, order wine in French or belt out Korean songs in a karaoke bar? The People’s Association conducts a variety of language courses for beginners to advanced learners at their community clubs and centres all around Singapore.
Don’t just be bilingual, be a polyglot instead.
Course Fee: S$100 – S$300
Opportunities for constant upgrading
In this increasingly disruptive world where technology gets dated quickly, it is crucial to pad one’s experience with current, relevant skills constantly.
The PAP Government, under the Forward Singapore exercise, will provide the conditions to equip every Singaporean with the necessary skills to succeed in such a world.
Just earlier this month, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said that success should not be defined by the first 15 years in schools but rather by the next 50 years beyond schools and that the PAP Government is looking at encouraging apprehensive mid-career workers at risk of becoming irrelevant to take the plunge and acquire new skills.
So other than the aforementioned courses that caters to personal ambitions, Singaporeans also can learn new skills that will help professionally.
But be it personal or professional, learning is an endeavour that should be lifelong.
Cover Photo Credit: Bettr Barista/PSD/SkillsFuture
