From Embalmer To Nurse: He Switched Careers At 57 With Over 90% Off Reskilling Fees l Money Mind

Key Concepts:

• Career change in later life
• SkillsFuture Credit and training schemes in Singapore
• Healthcare sector career pathways
• Upskilling and reskilling for employability
• Mature worker benefits and support
• Importance of lifelong learning

Bony Sim's Career Transition:

• From Death Care to Healthcare: Bony Sim transitioned from working as an embalmer and funeral director to an operating theater technician in a hospital.
• Reasons for Change: Concerns about job security due to the impact of COVID-19 on the funeral industry (reduced guests, affected value chain of coffin sales and catering) prompted the career shift.
• Initial Challenges: Faced difficulties understanding the fast-paced and specialized language used in the hospital setting.
• Ease of Decision: The decision was made quickly after attending a roadshow and interview.
• Age: Bony made this career change in his late 50s.

Education and Training:

• Higher Certificate in Healthcare: Bony obtained a higher certificate in healthcare at age 56/57, involving a full-time course with 5.5 months of learning.
• Course Structure: Included Monday to Friday classes (8 am to 5 pm) and clinical attachments (15 days in a hospital setting and 8-15 days in an operation theater).
• Course Cost and Funding: The course cost over $13,000, but Bony received a 90% government subsidy due to his age and the industry's manpower needs. He also utilized over $900 in SkillsFuture Credit, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses of about $500.
• Technology Challenges: Faced difficulties with new technologies like Zoom, initially encountered at the crematorium for remote funeral attendance.

Financial Aspects:

• Starting Salary: His starting salary as an operating theater technician was $2,300, less than half of his previous earnings as an embalmer.
• SkillsFuture Credit: As a Singaporean over 40, he has $5,500 in SkillsFuture Credit, having used $1,500 and with over $4,000 remaining.

Future Aspirations:

• Becoming a Full-Fledged Nurse: Bony aims to become a full-fledged nurse, which requires three years of nursing school.
• Computer Skills Barrier: He is hesitant due to concerns about his computer skills and ability to cope with the demands of nursing school.
• Benefits of Nursing: Qualifying as a nurse would provide a higher base salary and additional benefits compared to his current role as a healthcare assistant.

SkillsFuture Singapore Perspective (Peggy Lim):

• Bony as an Example: Bony's journey exemplifies that it's never too late for a career change.
• Value of Mature Workers: Mature workers bring valuable life experiences and transferable skills to the healthcare sector.
• SkillsFuture Training Allowance Scheme: Individuals can receive up to $3,000 per month under this scheme, depending on their previous salary.
• Course Availability: Over 7,000 courses are covered under the SkillsFuture Credit top-up for those above 40, and 27,000 courses in total.

SkillsFuture Credit Usage Guidelines:

• Employability Focus: Prioritize skills that complement the current career or facilitate a career change.
• Relevance: Ensure the chosen skills are relevant to the individual's goals.
• Search Experience Improvement: SkillsFuture has improved the search experience for courses.
• One-to-One Consultation: Individuals can schedule a 45-minute session with SkillsFuture advisors for personalized guidance.

SkillsFuture Credit Eligibility:

• Assessment Requirement: To be eligible for SkillsFuture Credit funding, individuals typically need to pass the associated assessment or examinations.

Bony's Concluding Advice:

• "You are the navigator of your own path."
• "Do not restrict yourself if you feel like you want to do something and you have confidence and you have the support from your family, please go for it."
• "It really brightens up the future, just do it."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Bony Sim's story highlights the possibilities of career change at a later stage in life, facilitated by government support and personal determination. The SkillsFuture initiative in Singapore plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to upskill and reskill, with various funding schemes and advisory services available. Bony's journey underscores the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment, even in the face of challenges.