Google launches professional certificates in Singapore, forms employer consortium

GOOGLE has launched Google Career Certificates in Singapore to expand its Skills Ignition SG programme and set up an employer consortium to connect programme graduates with prospective employers, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

"As businesses accelerate their digitalisation efforts, we must provide our workers with a strong digital foundation so that they can take on upgraded roles within their companies," he said at Google's virtual event on Wednesday (Jan 12).

"At the same time, we are supporting those who are able and willing to take on jobs in the infocomm and tech sector."

Learners can earn a Google Career Certificate on online learning platform Coursera within 3 to 6 months through self-paced programmes on IT Support, Project Management, Data Analytics and User Experience Design.

Google will also be covering the course fees of 5,000 scholarship recipients from ITEs, polytechnics, self-help groups and social service agencies, said DPM Heng.

Skills Ignition SG was launched by Google in 2020 to equip Singaporeans with in-demand digital skills, with support from various government agencies including the Infocomm Media Development Authority, SkillsFuture and Economic Development Board.

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It launched with 2 pathways for learners: a 6-month vocational training and a 9-month vocational and on-the-job training. The newly launched Google Career Certificate provides a 3rd pathway.

"This new pathway - underpinned by Google Career Certificates - means even more Singaporeans will be able to access training opportunities, learn new skills and better compete for jobs in the digital economy as it continues to grow," said Scott Beaumont, president of Google Asia Pacific.

Job seekers who have graduated from 1 of the 3 pathways will be connected with potential employers referred to by Google.

Some 3,200 Singaporeans have completed the Skills Ignition SG programme in Cloud Technology, Data Engineering with Machine Learning Fundamentals, and Digital Marketing, according to Google.