So, we all know that there’re many WSQ courses out there, but how many of us know what they are? Or what WSQ stands for, even? (It’s short for Workforce Skills Qualifications, for those who don’t).
Wanting to know more about what’s on offer, the Digital Senior team went course hunting and presents to you a mammoth list* of courses available under the WSQ umbrella and frameworks. We hope it’s of use to curious minds and all those who are in need of it!
*This is a sample list; not all providers, courses, and industries are contained within. This list is not an endorsement. As always, make sure that any course in mind is a good fit before signing up. ATO is short for Approved Training Organisation and CET, Continual Education and Training.
List of sectors at a glance:
Aerospace
(Do check out the skills framework for aerospace here. As many as 86 occupations are possible via 4 identified career tracks/pathways, made up of a) Aircraft Maintenance b) Fleet Management c) Aircraft Engine/Component Maintenance and d) Manufacturing.)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1. Air Transport Training College (ATTC)
Established in 1999 as the Professional Development Centre of the Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers (SIAE), the Air Transport Training College is both a CET and ATO for the Aerospace Industry, as well as a SAR Part 147 Approved Maintenance Training Organisation. The College is registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE).
Currently, ATTC offers 16 WSQ courses/units. They are (sorted into the respective certifications):
- WSQ Aerospace: Basic Aviation Skills (Extended)
- WSQ Aerospace: Basic Aviation Skills (Gas Turbine)
- WSQ Apply Human Factors Principles
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace Maintenance (Aircraft Maintenance – Mechanical)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace Maintenance (Aircraft Maintenance – Avionics)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace Maintenance (Engine / Engine Component Repair and Overhaul)
- For Higher Certificate in Component Repair and Overhaul – Mechanical
Temasek Polytechnic offers the WSQ Higher Certificate in Aerospace as part of an Earn and Learn Programme (ELP), which combines 2 months of the former and 10 months of on-the-job training. Primarily for fresh ITE and Poly grads from relevant courses of study, participants will assume a role in their respective companies as trainee before becoming Qualified Technicians.
3. SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC)
SIA Engineering Company is a subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group and an WSQ Approved Training Organisation. A global leader in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, SIAEC is behind the maintenance and repair of the planes of over 80 airlines!
Currently, SIAEC offers 15 WSQ courses/units. They are (sorted into the respective certifications):
- WSQ Perform Basic Aircraft Safety Practices & Documentation
- WSQ Perform Electrical Wiring and Interconnection System (EWIS) Maintenance
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace (Aircraft Maintenance – Mechanical)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace (Aircraft Maintenance – Avionics)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace (Component Repair and Overhaul – Avionics)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace (Engine/ Engine Component Repair and Overhaul)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace (Component Repair and Overhaul – Mechanical)
- For Higher Certificate in Aerospace (Engine Build)
Assembly and Test Sector
(Do check out the competency map for the A&T Sector here)
Courses/Programme Providers you can check out:
Temasek Polytechnic offers the Specialist Diploma in IC Assembly & Test as part of an Earn and Learn Programme (ELP). Participants will assume a role in their respective companies as Associate Engineers and stand to receive credit recognition if they undertake the Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics offered by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).
2) Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for Assembly & Test Industry
Clinical Research
(Those undergoing WSG Programmes in Clinical Research will be armed with competencies and skills required of Clinical Research Associates.)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Established in 2005, CMS Academy International focuses primarily on healthcare services education. Their recent accolades include receiving Best Educational Institute in Healthcare in the 7th CMO Asia Education Excellence Award (organized by CMO Asia in August 2016). They are EduTrust Certified.
Currently, CSM Academy International offers the WSQ Diploma in Clinical Research.
Community and Social Services
(Those undergoing WSG Programmes in Community and Social Services will be armed with competencies and skills required for Youth Care and Outreach, Protection and Rehabilitation, Disability Services and Senior Services.)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Social Service Institute (SSI)
The Social Service Institute is the Human Capital Development Arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). They are an appointed CET centre (by SkillsFuture Singapore) for the Social Services.
Currently, SSI offers the WSQ Advanced Certificate in Social Service and the WSQ Diploma in Social Service.
The Hua Mei Training Academy focuses on community-based eldercare and is also a CET Centre for the Community and Social Services sub-sector. They are registered with the CPE. The Academy is an initiative of the Tsao Foundation, which was established in 1993 with the goal of creating an inclusive society for all ages through innovation in community-based eldercare, training and education, policy relevant research, collaboration and advocacy.
Currently, Hua Mei Training Academy offers the WSQ Diploma in Community and Social Services (Senior Services).
Creative Industries*
*The Creative Industries have been split into 3 major sub-sectors under the WSQ framework, namely Arts and Culture, Design, as well as Media and Communications. You can find out about them here.
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Who doesn’t know about the nation’s beloved Durian and what it does? Aside from the performances it helps host, it is also an approved ATO for the Creative Industries. We find the WSQ Higher Certificate in Technical Theatre particularly interesting: those accepted will have their fees fully sponsored, with the caveat that they will have to serve a 2 year bond with the Esplanade after.
Currently, the Esplanade offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Technical Theatre
- WSQ Theatrical Rigging Programme (Part I)
- WSQ Theatrical Rigging Programme (Part II)
- WSQ Erect, Maintain and Dismantle Working Platforms and Accessing Equipment
- WSQ Demonstrate Knowledge of Production and Technical Theatre Practice
- WSQ Perform Basic Stage Operations
- WSQ Demonstrate Understanding of Basic Sound Operations
- WSQ Demonstrate Understanding of Basic Lighting Operations
- WSQ Perform Elementary Stagecraft
Part of the Singapore Furniture Institute Council, the official representing body of the Singapore furniture and furnishings industries, the SFIC Institute offers training programmes/modules in retail, business management, manufacturing as well as creative work (design thinking,, etc) .
Currently, SFIC Institute offers the following WSQ courses:
Environmental Cleaning
(Do check out the competency map for the Environmental Cleaning Sector here)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Avanta Global specializes in Safety and Health, Environment and Quality courses, project management services as well as consulting services, and is a WSG ATO. Courses on offer are for a wide range of disciplines: from first-aid to generic manufacturing skills.
Currently, Avanta offers the following units/courses:
- WSQ Perform Basic Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces
- WSQ Demonstrate Understanding of the Local Cleaning Industry Environment
- WSQ Provide Quality Services
- WSQ Perform Basic Cleaning of Washrooms
- WSQ Comply with Workplace Safety and Health Policies and Procedures
- WSQ Perform Basic Cleaning of Carpets
Training Masters is a training institute dedicated to the commercial and industrial cleaning industries. Established in 1991, the institute is a WSQ ATO and runs courses for all 3 levels of the WSQ Environmental Cleaning Certifications. Their courses are available in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu.
Currently, Training Masters offers the following courses:
- WSQ Certificate in Environmental Cleaning (Level 1)
- WSQ Certificate in Environmental Cleaning (Level 2)
- WSQ Certificate in Environmental Cleaning (Level 3)
Floristry
(Do check out the competency map for Floristry Sector here)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
June Floral Art School was established in 1985 by its Principal June Lee, and offers a wide variety of floristry courses (including bridal bouquets, hand bouquets, and commercial floristry, just to name a few).
Currently, June Floral Art School offers the following WSQ courses:
2) Nobleman School of Floral Design (NSFD)
The Nobleman School of Floral Design has built a name for itself within the Asia Pacific ever since its founding in 1994. Of notable mention: its professional certifications have received exclusive endorsement by the World Flower Council, a first in the world.
Currently, NSFD offers the WSQ Diploma in Floristry Management.
Food and Beverage
(Do check out the competency map for F&B here)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy
Established in 2001, At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy is EduTrust certified and a CET Institute for Culinary and F&B Management. Offering diploma, degree and modular courses, alumni that have went through their doors include the founders of Edith Patisserie as well as the chef-owner of the Oven Café Bistro.
Currently, At-Sunrice offers the following courses:
- WSQ Certificate in Culinary Arts
- WSQ Certificate in Pastry and Bakery
- WSQ Certificate in Food and Beverage Operations
- WSQ Certificate in Beverage Operations
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Food and Beverage Supervision
Established by the Singapore Hotel Association in 1983, SHATEC has seen 30,000 alumni through their doors. Like At-Sunrice, SHATEC is a CET Institute for the Tourism and F&B Industry. More recently, the institution received the JobsCentral Learning Training & Education Development Award for Best Private Education Institution (F&B) in 2017.
Currently, SHATEC offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Diploma in Food Services (Culinary Arts)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Food Services (Culinary Arts)
- WSQ Diploma in Food Services (Pastry and Baking)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Food Services (Pastry and Baking)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Food Services (Culinary Arts) (Part-Time)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Food Services (Pastry and Baking) (Part-Time)
Generic Manufacturing skills
(Do check out the competency map here)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Singapore Institute of Materials Management (SIMM)
SIMM offers Logistics as well as Supply Chain Management and E-commerce education from certificate to diploma level. Established in 1980, the institute is EduTrust certified and is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Materials Management (IFPMM).
Currently, SIMM offers the following WSQ courses:
- For WSQ Certificate in Generic Manufacturing Skills (Logistics)
- For WSQ Certified Operations Professional
2) Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF)
SNEF is a registered trade union. Independent and not-for-profit, the organization offers training programmes, consultancy advice, and research on local HR and employment trends.
Currently, SNEF offers the following WSQ courses:
- For WSQ Certified Operations Specialists (COS)
- For WSQ Certified Operations Professional (COP)
- WSQ Associate Operation Executive (AOE)
Healthcare Support
(Do check out the competency map here)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
An appointed CET for the Healthcare Support Sector, HMI Institute is a private provider of healthcare training in Singapore. It is registered with the CPE and works with industry partners such as Ren Ci Hospital and National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, to provide students with on-the-job experience and job placements.
Currently, HMI Institute offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Sterilization Services)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Therapy Support)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Operating Theatre Support)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Administrative Support)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care)
2) Alice Lee Institute of Advanced Nursing (SingHealth)
Established in 1997, the Alice Lee Institute of Advanced Nursing is an appointed CET for Healthcare Support. It has also received accreditation from the Accreditation American Nurses Credentialing Centre (ANCC) as a Continuing Nursing Education Provider, the first in Asia to have achieved this feat.
Currently, the institute offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Support (Administrative Support)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Administrative Support)
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care)
- WSQ Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Nursing Care)
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Support (Operating Theatre Support)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Operating Theatre Support)
- EMT Recertification Course
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services) – Assessment Only Pathway
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services) – Full Programme
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Support (Sterilisation Services)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare Support (Sterilisation Services)
Hotel and Accommodation Services
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
(A description of SHATEC can be found under the F&B section)
Currently, SHATEC offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Diploma in Hotel and Accommodation Services
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Hotel and Accommodation Services
- WSQ Diploma in Hotel and Accommodation Services (Part-Time)
2) Ascott Centre for Excellence
The training arm of The Ascott Limited (CapitaLand being the parent company), the Ascott Centre for Excellence is an appointed CET for the Hotel and Accommodation Services Sector. They are registered with the CPE.
Currently, the centre offers the following WSQ courses:
Human Resource
(Do check out the competency map here)
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
HCS Academy is an appointed CET centre for the Human Resource sector. They are the first here to offer WSQ HR courses in Mandarin Chinese, and offer WSQ HR courses up to the Diploma level.
Currently, the academy offers the following WSQ courses:
- Certified HR Professional (Industrial Relations)
- Certified HR Professional (Performance Management)
- Certified HR Professional (Remuneration and Benefits)
- Certified HR Professional (Resourcing)
- Certified HR Professional (Talent Management)
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Human Resources
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Human Resources
- WSQ Professional Diploma in Human Resources
- WSQ Professional Diploma in Human Resources (Human Resource Development)
- WSQ Professional Diploma in Human Resources (Human Resource Management)
- WSQ Specialist Diploma in Human Capital Management
- WSQ Specialist Diploma in Human Capital Management (Human Resource Development)
- WSQ Specialist Diploma in Human Capital Management (Human Resource Management)
ICT
The Information and Communication Technology sector has the National Infocomm Competency Framework—NICF for short—and as such courses are under ‘NICF’ for ICT instead of ‘WSQ’. Courses are available in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, network and infrastructure as well as software development. For ICT, check out all the Professional Conversion Programmes available here.
Landscape
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology (CUGE)
A division of NParks, CUGE is a CET Centre. Jointly established by NParks and SkillsFuture, the Centre offers skill training and does multidisciplinary research in urban greenery, urban ecology as well as social sustainability studies.
Currently, the Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Landscape Supervision
- WSQ Certificate in Landscape Operations
- WSQ Diploma in Landscape Management
- WSQ Higher Certificate in Landscape Operations (Arboriculture)
Logistics
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Currently, Singapore Polytechnic offers the following WSQ courses:
Precision Engineering
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Currently, Nanyang Polytechnic offers the following WSQ courses:
2) Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIM Tech)
A research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), SIM Tech offers courses from certificate to Graduate Diploma level. They also conduct research and collaborate with industry partners.
Currently, SIM Tech offers the following WSQ courses:
- PE WSQ Programme in Precision Engineering
- PE WSQ Graduate Diploma in Mechatronics
- PE WSQ Programme in Precision Measurements and Characterisation
Public Transport
For public transport, please check out the following Professional Conversion Programme, for Public Transport (Bus) Service Controllers and Assistant Service Controllers.
Retail
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Singapore Institute of Retail Studies
The Singapore Institute of Retail Studies is a CET institute belonging to Nanyang Polytechnic. Clients and long-time partners include AsiaMalls, L’oreal, Shell as well as Takashimaya. Courses offered range from certificate to diploma level.
Currently, SIRS offers the following WSQ courses:
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Retail (Operations)
- WSQ Diploma in Retail (Operations)
- WSQ Specialist Diploma in Retail (Operations)
- WSQ Certified Services Professional
2) Singapore Retailers Association
The Singapore Retailers Association is Singapore’s non-profit independent non-governmental retail trade body. Its training arm, the SRA Institute of Retailing, began operations in 1985 and has since seen 69,000 retail staff come through its doors.
Currently, SRA offers the following WSQ certified courses:
- Effectively Handle Merchandise Display
- Effectively Handle Retail After Sales Service
- Interact and Engage Customers with Confidence
- Project a Professional and Confident Image
- Work Effectively in the Retail Environment
Security
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Leacov focuses on professional security training, also providing IT services and security consultancy services to interested clients. It is a WSQ approved ATO, with a passing rate of over 95% for its WSQ modules.
Currently, Leacov offers the following WSQ certified courses:
- Certificate in Security Operations
- Advanced Certificate in Security Supervision
- Electives
- Operate Basic Security Equipment
- Manage Disorderly Conduct and Threatening Behaviour
- Conducting Crowd and Traffic Control
- Conduct Security Screening of Person and Bag
- Handle Enquiries and Request
- Perform Security Operations within Legal Framework
Textile and Fashion
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre
The training arm of the Textile & Fashion Federation (Taff), TAF.tc is the CET centre for the textile and fashion industry. They achieve high passing rates for their WSQ courses, with a noteworthy 99.57% in 2017.
Currently, TAF.tc offers the following WSQ certified courses:
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Fashion Technology (Apparel Design & Product Development)
- Place and Train Programme (WSQ Diploma in Fashion Technology)
Tour and Travel Services
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
A subsidiary of East Asia Institute of Management Pte Ltd, The Tourism Management Institute of Singapore is EduTrust certified. The school is not only the official training arm of NATAS, but also a training institute approved by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Currently, TMIS offers the following WSQ certified courses:
Hailing from Australia (and established in 1940), the William Angliss Institute has 3 campuses domestically and others in China, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. It is Government endorsed in Australia and the Singapore campus is a CET centre for the Tourism industry.
Currently, William Angliss Institute offers the following WSQ certified courses:
Training and adult education
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Institute for Adult Learning Singapore (IAL)
Established in 2008, IAL Singapore is set to become an autonomous institute within the Singapore University of Social Sciences come April 2019. The institute offers training programmes from certificate to Masters level in their quest to bring adult learning to greater heights.
Currently, IAL offers the following WSQ certified courses:
- WSQ Workplace Trainer Programme (WTP)
- WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA)
- WSQ Diploma in Adult and Continuing Education (DACE)
- WSQ Specialist Diploma in Advanced Facilitation (SDAF)
Workplace Safety Health for Marine Industry
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
Currently, Avanta Global offers the following WSQ certified modules:
- WSQ Practise Workplace Safety and Health for Supervising Marine Metal Scaffolding (SMMS)
- WSQ Practise Workplace Safety and Health for Signalling and Rigging (S&R)
- WSQ Practise Workplace Safety and Health for Marine Metal Scaffolding (MMS)
Waste Management
WSG ATOs/CETs you can check out:
1) Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS)
WMRAS is a WSQ ATO and a society representing members primarily made up of general waste collectors and recycling companies. Apart from WSQ courses, the association also conducts a certification course in Waste Management and Resource Recovery, which was developed in collaboration with Griffith University of Australia.
Currently, WMRAS offers the following WSQ certified modules:
- Module 1: WSQ Carry out collection of waste and recyclable waste
- Module 2: WSQ Operate Waste Collection Vehicle to Collect Waste
- Module 3: WSQ Carry Out Collection of Sludge and Greasy Waste
- Module 4: WSQ Identify Waste Types and Work Hazards
- Module 5: Perform Sorting of Recyclables
- Module 6: Planning and Supervising Route for Waste Collection
Have a clearer idea of the industries you can consider? We hope you have and wish you the best in finding the right career path for you. If you’re a course provider/ATO/CET and we’ve missed your offerings on our list, do get in touch with us and let us know! We’d love to help our readers better.
