On 24 May 2017, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) became the first Singapore university to sign agreements with all five polytechnics in Singapore to provide a pathway for polytechnic graduates under the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) to deepen their skills through university-level courses.
The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence; and Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore.
The ELP participants will take skills-based modules alongside SUSS undergraduates, while receiving on-the-job training (OJT). As SUSS’s students are mostly working adults, the ELP participants will benefit from the opportunity to network with and learn from adult learners, and gain more knowledge about the industry and its practices.
Upon completion of the ELP, the participants may apply to enrol in the corresponding degree programme at SUSS, receiving credit recognition of up to 50 credit units, including five credit units for the OJT component – a first for SUSS for such recognition. This will enable the ELP participants to continue deepening their skills and knowledge in a related field, and enhance the pathway for further education with SUSS. Pursuing structured learning, combined with work experience, will allow ELP participants to build on skills and knowledge acquired at SUSS and bring them closer to achieving their career goals.
The following table shows the collaborations that SUSS has with the respective polytechnics and the articulation pathways from polytechnic-run ELPs to SUSS degree programmes.