25 January 2017

The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) allows working adults to pursue academic dreams that they missed out during their school days, and in so doing, deepen their professional skills at the same time.

For instance, Muhammad Arfian Mohamed Hanafi always desired to work with animals despite having completed a biotechnology diploma course in Singapore Polytechnic. His lucky break came when he took up a junior vet technician vacancy at Allpets & Aqualife Clinic. Dr Winnie Teo, the clinic’s other co-owner, sensing Muhammad Arfian’s passion for animals, recommended that he join the veterinary care industry’s SkillsFuture ELP, which is conducted by Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

The one-year programme allows Muhammad Arfian to draw a full salary while taking night classes. The course culminates in the award of a specialist diploma in veterinary clinical practice.

Ms Enrica Cheng is another Allpets & Aqualife Clinic employee taking part in the programme. She had felt that her lack of veterinary education held her back, so she joined the ELP.

Dr Teo said putting Ms Cheng and Mr Arfian on the ELP was the right decision as the ELP has given them confidence and a deeper understanding of their jobs.