Unique SkillsFuture courses
I’m sure most of us Singaporeans are familiar with SkillsFuture by now. The government-led initiative encourages lifelong learning beyond our education years and allows us to learn new skills without burning a hole in our wallets.
Besides workshops that help advance one’s career, plenty of other fun classes you may not have considered are also available on the platform for learning and leisure. So, even if you’re not planning to become a DJ full-time or do voice-overs for a living, here’s a list of unique SkillsFuture courses to take in 2024.
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Am I entitled to SkillsFuture credits?
All Singaporeans aged 25 years and above are entitled to an opening credit of $500. The credits do not expire, and you can use them for any eligible SkillsFuture courses.
For those who turn 40, an automatic top-up of $4,000 worth of credits will be available. These credits can be used for up to 7,000 SkillsFuture courses that support retraining and upskilling.
1. Mooncake-making workshop
Make snow skin mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival
Image for illustrative purposes only.
It’s officially mooncake season, and we’re all here for it. Skip buying the baked goods, make them from scratch, and gift your loved ones something special this Mid-Autumn Festival.
Be it the traditional bean paste-filled ones or the icy, fruity snow skin variations, the Asian Culinary Institute of Singapore is hosting mooncake-making classes that teach the basic usage of kitchen tools, down to the moulding and filling of the mooncakes.
Sign up for SkillsFuture-claimable mooncake making courses.
Fees: From $96
2. Crochet art
Learn the basic loops to start crocheting
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Image credit: @crochetcartel via Instagram
Crocheting looks like an easy hobby to pick up, but even YouTube tutorials get confusing sometimes with so many basic loops and patterns.
Those looking to start a small business can kickstart their journey through a crochet art course offered by OnePA under the People’s Association. Learn crocheting basics as a beginner IRL and make items like plushies or coasters.
Sign up for onePA crochet courses held at neighbourhood CCs or SkillsFuture-claimable crocheting classes.
Fees: From $90
3. Bartending
Mix different types of cocktails
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Are you looking to impress your friends and family? Sign up for a crash course so you can become a makeshift bartender during your next get-together.
The Bartending & Mixology workshop hosted by onePA at Hillview CC helps you pick up basic bartending skills. You’ll learn how to make popular cocktails like a margarita and Singapore Sling, as well as what combinations of spirits and mixers taste the best.
Fees: From $380
4. Chinese desserts workshop
Bake traditional sweet treats
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Image credit: Eatbook
Get into the good books of your grandparents or mother-in-law with your dessert-making skills. Learn how to make agar-agar and use it in drinks and desserts. If you’re looking to go above and beyond, the Baking Industry Training College has a SkillsFuture-claimable Chinese desserts workshop where you can prepare dishes like mango sago, milk pudding, and beancurd.
Sign up for onePA Agar Agar workshops.
Fees: From $110
5. Voice acting
Introduction to voice acting for aspiring actors
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Image credit: Gigexchange
Give a shot at voice acting and find out what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite animated characters. Work on details like vocal projection, emoting, pronunciation, and accents. There are elementary courses for absolute beginners and advanced-level courses for aspiring voice actors.
Sign up for elementary Wonder of the Voice courses at Changi Simei CC and Kampong Glam CC.
Fees: From $260
6. Soap-making classes
Customise your own homemade soaps
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Image credit: @gentlemood.co via Instagram
With the rising trend of sustainable living, make natural soap bars for yourself or as gifts during the upcoming holiday season. Play around with different colours, scents, and techniques for your homemade soap bars.
Sign up for onePA soap-making courses found at neighbourhood CCs or SkillsFuture-claimable soap crafting workshops.
Fees: From $150
7. DJ-ing techniques & skills
Mix your favourite songs to create the ultimate mashup
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Image credit: Ministry Of DJs via Facebook
A music festival isn’t complete without a DJ turning the beat up. If you’re an aspiring DJ and are confused just by looking at the console itself, deep-dive into the technical basics and interpersonal skills it takes to become a DJ.
Sign up for the onePA SkillsFuture-claimable DJ course organised at Hillview CC.
Fees: From $400
8. Patchwork & quilting
Revamp your wardrobe with style
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Image credit: Bobbin&Bash via Facebook
Let your inner artist run wild and create artwork by sewing fabrics together. If you’re looking for a cute way to spice up your clothes, onePA hosts patchwork and quilting courses at places like Bukit Panjang CC and Cairnhill CC. Learn the basics, and use your newfound skills to patch up your favourite pair of worn-out jeans with fabrics for a fun touch.
Sign up for onePA’s elementary and advanced patchwork classes.
Fees: From $160
9. Video editing
Edit quality videos using your smartphone
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It’s no secret that more and more TikTokers are making money off the app. So, if you’re looking for a side hustle, learn some video editing skills to up your game on TikTok.
OnePA offers video editing lessons at locations like Chua Chu Kang CC and Ang Mo Kio CC. The more affordable workshops usually teach editing skills on phones using mobile apps.
For edits that require more advanced software, browse through the extensive list of SkillsFuture-claimable video editing courses.
Fees: From $50
10. Pastry baking workshops
Learn the secrets to flaky croissant layers
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Image credit: Eatbook
We all love a good, buttery croissant, but anyone who has tried making one before knows how tedious the process can be. But do not worry; the pastry-making courses offered by SkillsFuture are suitable even for amateur bakers.
With detailed start-to-finish guidance, you will acquire basic kitchen skills and baking techniques and try baking different pastries, including puff, choux, and yeast-raised.
OnePA offers pastry courses at Nee Soon East CC, and there are also several SkillsFuture pastry workshops to choose from.
Fees: From $100
11. Paper quilling
Use paper strips to create intricate designs
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Image credit: @artbywaisie via Instagram
Half of us have probably never heard of paper quilling before this. This intricate craft sounds so simple yet requires much attention to detail. It is a therapeutic activity if you’re looking for new hobbies to pick up. Don’t stop at just creating designs; it’s a fun way to decorate greeting cards with a personalised 3D touch.
Sign up for SkillsFuture-claimable paper quilling courses.
Fees: From $180
12. Aromatherapy workshops
A new & unique scent for your home
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Image credit: @hyuuga.artisan via Instagram
There are so many benefits associated with aromatherapy; it improves your mood, helps with relaxation, and is also used for pain and stress relief. Learn to create your own scent and play around with different notes based on your preferences with various aromatherapy courses.
Sign up for onePA aromatherapy workshops available at multiple neighbourhood CCs or SkillsFuture workshops.
Fees: From $130
Learn a new skills with SkillsFuture
With the help and support from SkillsFuture, upscaling yourself or learning a new hobby does not need to be expensive. You may even discover a hidden talent in crocheting or DJing and turn it into a side hustle or full-time job. So, grab a friend or two and sign up for these unique SkillsFuture courses now.
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Cover image adapted from: Eatbook, Ministry Of DJs via Facebook, Gigexchange