Unlocking a World of Knowledge: NSFs Get Unlimited Free Courses
What’s the Deal?
Starting November 1, every full‑time national serviceman (NSF) will have free, unlimited access to more than 75,000 online courses. The goal? Make sure they’re ready for the next chapter—whether that’s a career or further studies.
How to Sign Up
It’s as easy as tapping “Register” during your active NS period. Once you’re signed up, your accounts stay active for two years—just enough time to learn, grow, and then graduate into the future.
What You’ll Find
- Programming & Tech – Dive into Python, Machine Learning, and coding fundamentals.
- Management & Leadership – Sharpen your soft skills and become a future team leader.
- Creative Arts – From digital photography to graphic design, get your creative juices flowing.
- Credit‑Exempt Courses – Some modules even count as credits for polytechnics and universities.
Who’s Behind This?
The initiative stems from a collaboration between the Defence Ministry (Mindef), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NTUC LearningHub, and the NTUC Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). They’re proud to present the SkillsFuture@NS Learning eXperience Platform.
Why It’s Better Than the Old Fashioned e‑Prep
Remember the Electronic Pre‑Release Employment Programme (e‑Prep) from 2003? It only offered 3,000 courses and capped the number of credits to $350. Plus, you could only use it in the last year of full‑time NS, valid for a year after you finish your service. Not exactly a one‑size‑fits‑all solution.
Real‑Life Impact
Take Tan Aik Chong, 20, who joined in January last year. He’s excited to hit the platform and sharpen his programming prowess. Now a lieutenant with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Tan plans to enroll in courses now and then tackle computer science at Nanyang Technological University next year.
Bottom Line
From coding to photography and beyond, the SkillsFuture@NS Learning eXperience Platform lets NSFs build the skillset they need for a bright, flexible future. So grab that username, start learning, and unleash the potential inside you!
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New Skills Platform Gives Singapore National Service Forces a Leg‑Up
Think of the platform as a personal trainer for soldiers, a career matchmaker, and an online hub in one neat package.
Why It Matters to the NZS
- Coding 101 – Mastering programming snaps future job prospects open.
- Flexibility – Pick courses that fit your goals, not the school’s timetable.
- Continuous learning – Keep up with friends and industry shifts.
“I’m happy I can freely choose what courses I want to do,” one official confided, signalling the freedom this tool offers.
What The Platform Offers
- Personalised Learning Journeys – Courses suggest themselves based on your job aspirations and new skills.
- Resource Database – From government bodies to private education partners, knowledge is just a click away.
- Career & Education Fairs – Information on events held by NTUC LearningHub and e2i workshops, plus the big SkillsFuture@NS fairs held quarterly.
- Expanded Employers & Institutes – A wider array of prospects is on board, thanks to NTUC LearningHub’s curated list.
Real‑World Impact
On September 20–21, about 4,000 National Service Forces from the Singapore Armed Forces, SCDF, and Singapore Police Force filled the Devan Nair Institute for the SkillsFuture@NS fair.
Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How spoke on the sidelines:
“We’re building a platform that will support our NSFs on a lifelong basis—skills upgrading, market insights, job hunting, and training.”
— Heng Chee How
Takeaway
This initiative isn’t just a tech upgrade; it’s a career lifeline, giving National Service Forces a solid hand on the steering wheel of their future.
Originally reported by The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
