Increasing Demand for Alternative Pathways Prompts Nanyang Polytechnic to launch New Earn & Learn Programmes
Published on 16 Apr 2018
Singapore, Apr 16, 2018 – Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) is launching five new Earn and Learn Programmes (ELPs) in April. This is in response to increasing demand for alternative pathways from polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) graduates. To-date more than 420 graduates have joined NYP’s ELPs.
The new ELPs for ITE graduates complement existing ELPs by NYP’s Asian Culinary Institute and Singapore Institute of Retail Studies that lead to Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) diplomas. The ITE graduates can deepen their knowledge while gaining work experience through their placements with companies on the programmes. The new programmes are:
1. Diploma in Applied Science (Food Technology)
2. Diploma in Business Practice (Hospitality and Tourism Management)
3. Diploma in Business Practice (Accounting)
4. Diploma in Infocomm & Digital Media (IT Network & System Administration)
The fifth programme, the Specialist Diploma in Environmental Management & Applied Water Technology, enables polytechnic graduates to join the rapidly-growing sector while further deepening their skills and knowledge in the subject. With these latest additions, NYP will run 25 ELPs – the highest number among the polytechnics.
Mr Tan Jek Min, Director, NYP’s Academy of Lifelong Learning and Skills (NYP-ALLS), said, “It is turning out to be a viable alternative pathway for many who see that to be successful in their careers, they not only need in-depth knowledge but require deep skilling in their field of expertise. Companies are increasingly recognising the value of such employees.”
Business informatics graduate, Ayesha Begum, joined the ELP despite qualifying for university. She was placed with Accenture and worked on the firm’s projects even as she completed her Specialist Diploma in Information Systems Development. She was hired by Accenture after the ELP, and within months, was promoted to a graduate level-equivalent position with the tech giant.
At Nebulas Tree, an application security consultancy, half the employees are those initially emplaced with the company as part of an ELP. They were hired after they graduated with the Specialist Diploma in Information Systems Development. “Hiring those who completed their ELP with Nebulas Tree was the obvious next step for us,” said Mr Zen Leow, founder of the company, “The candidates had the perfect mix of deep skills and deep learning. They had worked at the company for the ELP placement so they know the business well.”
Mr Lew Jia Chong, Accounts Manager, Gogreen Holdings Pte Ltd, who is sponsoring six ITE graduates for the upcoming Diploma in Business Practice (Hospitality and Tourism Management) said, "the programme is a boon to small and medium enterprises like ours. The ITE graduates can immediately apply their skills in the workplace. They are also concurrently building up their knowledge, so their value-add will certainly increase over time."