Like theres all these gov subsidised bootcamps to no where
Hi @user1138,
I understand the frustration of industry switchers who have gone through bootcamps, only to find that many job descriptions still require a degree. It can feel discouraging, especially when government-supported programs are meant to help people transition into new careers.
But I want to share that, in Singapore, hiring is fundamentally based on merit. Employers, both in the public and private sectors, are encouraged to look beyond traditional qualifications and consider candidates’ actual skills, experience, and ability to perform the job. This is in line with MOM’s latest revisions to the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices (TGFEP).
The Public Service, for example, actively welcomes diverse talent, including mid-career professionals who bring unique perspectives and expertise. As a public servant myself, I can attest to our efforts in welcoming talent in any form (both fresh grads and mid-careerists across all specialties).
Bootcamps (such as those endorsed by Skillsfuture Singapore) are designed to equip individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills, and many employers do recognise them. That said, hiring practices can vary across industries, and some professions still require formal degrees due to regulatory reasons or specialised knowledge requirements. It may not necessarily be “a boot-camp to nowhere” as changing policies within our workforce require time and effort from various stakeholders.
The push toward skills-based hiring is ongoing, and public agencies like Workforce Singapore are working hard to encourage more employers to adopt this mindset. This would enable social mobility for individuals from non-academic backgrounds (e.g. non-graduates with vocational experience).
I hear your concerns, and I appreciate the discussion around this topic. Your voice matters in shaping conversations on how the government can better support career transitions.