Education Roadshows – Why SkillsFuture is a Game Changer

In Singapore, education roadshows have become a pivotal platform for businesses to reach out to the masses and find leads. Traditionally dominated by banks, insurance companies, and property agents, the roadshow landscape is witnessing a transformative shift with the rising popularity of education roadshows. At Ideal Connection, we manage premier roadshow and event spaces across high-footfall areas such as transport hubs (bus interchanges and MRT stations) and shopping malls. These strategic locations enable our partners to promote their goods and services to a broad audience, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.

Education roadshows offer a unique opportunity to bring educational institutions directly to the public, promoting a wide range of courses and training programs to commuters. By leveraging these great venues all around the country, educational providers can effectively showcase their courses to potential students who are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

A key driver in this educational surge is SkillsFuture, a national initiative aimed at fostering lifelong learning and skills mastery among Singaporeans. SkillsFuture’s objectives align seamlessly with the goals of education roadshows, creating a dynamic synergy that is reshaping the educational landscape. Through this blog, we will explore the evolution of education roadshows in Singapore, the pivotal role of SkillsFuture, and why this combination is a game changer for lifelong learning and career development.

What are Education Roadshows?

Education roadshows are dynamic events designed to bring educational opportunities directly to the public. They serve as a platform where educational institutions, training providers, and other stakeholders can showcase their courses, programs, and resources to a diverse audience. The primary purpose of these roadshows is to increase awareness and accessibility to educational offerings, encouraging individuals to pursue lifelong learning and skill development.

Types of Education Roadshows in Singapore

Singapore’s strategic locations and high-footfall areas make it an ideal place for hosting education roadshows. Here are the main types:

MRT Roadshows

• Held at MRT stations such as Punggol or Harbourfront, these roadshows leverage the high volume of daily commuters. By positioning educational booths in these transit hubs, institutions can reach a large and diverse audience, making it convenient for individuals to learn about various courses and programs during their daily commute.

Bus Interchanges Roadshows

• Similar to MRT roadshows, bus interchange roadshows target the bustling environments of major bus hubs. These locations see significant foot traffic, providing an excellent opportunity for educational providers to engage with potential learners in a setting where they are likely to have some time to browse and inquire.

Shopping Malls Roadshows

• Shopping malls are another prime venue for education roadshows. The leisurely environment of malls allows for more in-depth interactions between educational providers and families. Malls attract a wide demographic, from kids and teenagers to working professionals, making them ideal for promoting a variety of educational programs.

Key Players Involved in Organizing Education Roadshows

Several organizations play a crucial role in organizing and executing successful education roadshows in Singapore. Firstcom, known for its innovative marketing strategies, has been instrumental in creating impactful roadshows that connect learners with educational opportunities. As a digital marketing agency, OOM specializes in developing engaging and interactive roadshow experiences that attract and retain the attention of potential learners. NTUC LearningHub, a major player in the education sector, frequently participates in and organizes roadshows to promote its extensive range of training and development programs. SSA Academy focuses on skills upgrading and professional development, with their participation in education roadshows underscoring the importance of continuous learning and the various pathways available for individuals seeking to enhance their skills. Education roadshows in Singapore are more than just informational events; they are interactive platforms that bridge the gap between educational institutions and the public, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and skills enhancement.

Benefits of Education Roadshows

Education roadshows offer numerous benefits, making them an effective strategy for promoting educational opportunities in Singapore. One of the primary advantages is accessibility to a wide range of commuters. Hosting these roadshows at high-footfall locations like MRT stations, bus interchanges, and shopping malls over a week allows commuters to reflect on the information overnight and return with questions before making any commitments. This extended interaction period can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates.

Moreover, education roadshows have the potential to attract lower and mid-skilled Singaporeans who might be challenging to reach through social media platforms. These roadshows provide an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore educational opportunities that suit their needs and aspirations. The increased brand exposure at these prominent venues also helps educational institutions and training providers to enhance their visibility and reputation within the community.

Another key benefit of education roadshows is the opportunity to receive instant feedback from attendees. Educational providers can gauge the interest in various courses and programs, allowing them to tailor their offerings to better meet the demands and preferences of potential students. Additionally, targeting specific locations can be particularly advantageous, especially when the educational institution is located nearby. This proximity makes it convenient for commuters living in the area to consider enrolling, knowing that the school is easily accessible.

In summary, education roadshows in Singapore not only broaden access to educational resources but also provide valuable insights and direct engagement opportunities that are essential for fostering a culture of lifelong learning and skills development.

Spotlight on SkillsFuture

Introduction to SkillsFuture and Its Mission

Launched in 2015, SkillsFuture is a national initiative by the Singapore government aimed at promoting lifelong learning and increasing the employability of Singaporeans amidst rapid technological advancements. The program encourages individuals to continuously learn new skills and enhance their existing ones to stay relevant in an ever-evolving job market.

Key Components of SkillsFuture

SkillsFuture comprises several key components designed to cater to various learning needs and career stages:

SkillsFuture Credit

• Every Singaporean aged 25 and above receives an initial S$500 in SkillsFuture credits to spend on a wide range of approved courses. This credit encourages individuals to take the first step toward lifelong learning by subsidizing course fees.

SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes

• These programs offer a combination of classroom training and structured on-the-job training, allowing participants to gain practical experience while earning a qualification. They are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, making the transition smoother for students and mid-career workers.

SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy

• This subsidy provides additional support for mid-career individuals aged 40 and above, covering up to 90% of course fees for selected programs. The goal is to make it more affordable for mid-career workers to reskill and stay competitive in the job market.

About the New Credit Grant in 2024’s Budget

In his Budget 2024 speech, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced significant enhancements to the SkillsFuture scheme. Starting in May 2024, all Singaporeans aged 40 and above received an additional S$4,000 in SkillsFuture credits. Unlike the initial S$500 credits, this top-up will be specifically allocated for courses that are closely related to work skills and are expected to lead to better employability outcomes. This targeted approach ensures that the credits are used effectively to address the skills most in demand in the job market, such as digital transformation and sustainability.

The 2024 Budget measures aim to nudge mid-career workers towards training programs that are directly relevant to their job roles, thereby enhancing their career prospects. This move is seen as a powerful signal encouraging workers to take proactive steps in their reskilling or upskilling journey. With the additional credits and targeted course selection, SkillsFuture continues to be a game-changer in preparing Singapore’s workforce for the future.

 

Why SkillsFuture is a GameChanger for Education Roadshows in Singapore?

SkillsFuture has significantly transformed the landscape of education roadshows in Singapore, making them more impactful and accessible to a broader audience. Here’s why SkillsFuture is a game changer:

Addressing the Rising Cost of Living

• As the cost of living continues to rise, more Singaporeans recognize the need to upskill to increase their earning potential. SkillsFuture credits provide the financial support necessary to pursue additional education and training without the burden of hefty course fees. This makes education roadshows, which often showcase SkillsFuture courses, highly relevant and attractive to attendees.

Increased Acceptance of Evening and Weekend Classes

• There has been a cultural shift towards accepting evening and weekend classes as part of one’s routine. Previously uncommon, it’s now typical for Singaporeans to engage in continuous learning outside of regular working hours. Education roadshows tap into this trend by promoting flexible learning options that cater to working adults, making it easier for them to integrate education into their busy schedules.

Surge in Digital Courses

• The advent of digital courses has opened up new avenues for learning, attracting a diverse range of new “students” SkillsFuture supports these digital learning options, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and convenience. This has broadened the scope and reach of education roadshows, as they can now promote a wider variety of online courses that cater to different learning preferences and schedules.

Appeal of Freebies and Utilization of Unused Credits

• Singaporeans have a well-known fondness for freebies, and SkillsFuture credits are a valuable incentive. Many individuals have unutilized credits that can be converted into new knowledge and skills, making these credits extremely beneficial. Education roadshows leverage this by highlighting the availability and advantages of using SkillsFuture credits, encouraging more people to take advantage of these resources to further their education and career prospects.

By integrating SkillsFuture into education roadshows, these events become powerful tools for promoting lifelong learning and skill enhancement. They provide a direct link between individuals seeking to improve their employability and the educational resources available to help them achieve their goals. SkillsFuture’s financial incentives and flexible learning options make education roadshows more compelling, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous learning and development in Singapore.

What we recommend

To maximize the impact of your education roadshows, we have a few key recommendations:

1. Diversify Your Show Locations Across Singapore

• To reach a broad audience, it’s essential to host a wide range of shows all around Singapore. By targeting commuters near their homes, you can gather valuable insights into which locations work best for your specific offerings. Different neighborhoods attract different demographics, allowing you to tailor your approach based on the crowd passing by.

2. Leverage Our Extensive Network of Locations with a single point of contact

• At Ideal Connection, we offer prime event spaces across Singapore, from Boon Lay and Clementi to Yishun, Punggol, and Bedok. Our extensive network ensures that your education roadshows can reach every corner of the city, tapping into diverse commuter populations and increasing your visibility and engagement.

3. Focus on Recruitment and Offer Design

• Leave the logistics to us. We handle all the setup and logistical aspects of your roadshows, allowing you to concentrate on recruiting the best agents and designing the most compelling offers. Our experienced team ensures that every event runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most: attracting and engaging potential students.

By following these recommendations, you can create impactful education roadshows that not only attract a wide audience but also provide valuable learning opportunities for Singaporeans. Let Ideal Connection handle the logistics while you focus on delivering top-notch educational experiences.

Conclusion:

Maximize the impact of your education roadshows by diversifying locations across Singapore, leveraging our extensive network of prime event spaces, and focusing on recruitment and offer design while we handle the logistics. Create impactful education roadshows that attract a broad audience and provide valuable learning opportunities. Contact Ideal Connection today to ensure your roadshows run smoothly and effectively.