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Growing up with parents who are special educators, a career in social work came naturally to our Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) graduate, Joanna Tay. Her father is a special needs therapist while her mother is a shadow teacher. As a child, Joanna attended an integrated childcare where she interacted with children with special needs. She also spent many years volunteering at welfare organisations helping persons with disability.

Upon graduation from the School of Health & Social Sciences (SHSS), Joanna enrolled in the SkillsFutureSG Work and Learn Programme (WLP) as one of its five pioneer students in July 2018.

The one-year WLP for Social Associates jointly offered by NYP and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) allows students to work as a social work associate and study at SUSS at the same time.

Upon completing the programme, the students will receive a $5,000 incentive grant. They can then pursue a Social Work degree from SUSS with advanced standing – completing their degree programme a full year ahead of their peers. Students not on this scheme typically take 2.5 to 3 years to complete the course. The second intake of 14 students commenced the programme on 2 Jan 2019