Global management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG), together with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), has launched a new programme to help reskill more than 1,000 PMETs through DigitalBCG Academy.
Dubbed the Rapid & Immersive Skill Enhancement (RISE) programme, it is part of the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Company Training.
RISE goes beyond the theories and will place a strong emphasis on application within the strategic business context. The programme is modelled around BCG’s own application-oriented learning model, which draws on the consultancy’s rich experience working with governments and corporates globally for digital transformation and leadership training.
The six-month RISE programme will focus on three key digital job domains and equip trainees with in-demand ‘biztech’ skills. It will blend both the business critical and digital specific skills much sought after by employers.
The programme offers three tracks to choose from. First is on business and data analytics. Next, digital sales and marketing, and last but not least, digital transformation and change management.
Upon completion, programme participants can take on roles such as data analyst, digital marketing specialist, digital programme manager, e-commerce executive, project management office analyst, and so on.
As part of the programme, the participants can also gain hands-on project experience with real firms. In addition, they will receive a monthly training allowance of $1,500. In contrast, the six-month-long programme cost just $500 after subsidies from SSG. SkillsFuture Credit can be used too, for those who qualify. BCG will also help the participants with “employment facilitation” upon completion.
“SkillsFuture Singapore values such partnerships with global corporations like BCG, which have great expertise in driving digital transformation. These programmes will help job seekers acquire and deepen the competencies needed in a digital-driven world,” says SSG chief executive Ong Tze-Ch'in.
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Jeffrey Chua, chairman of BCG Singapore notes that the firm’s recent work with clients on digital transformation, as well as BCG’s own internal human capital transformation effort has given the firm a deep understanding of what is needed in the workforce of the future.
“It is not just about having technical skills, but a combination of being agile, analytical, critical and adept at navigating challenges and providing solutions in an increasingly digital world,” he says.
“Hence, we developed a holistic and systematic programme also covering critical soft skills and a growth mindset. The focused project-based learning approach will compress 18 months of real work experience into 6 months of a carefully crafted skilling programme for mid-career professionals. Trainees will graduate with a rich CV and project portfolio equipping them to be highly sought-after talent,” he adds.
According to SSG and BCG, more than 20 industry partners are on board the RISE programme. Renowned companies such as United Overseas Bank, National University Health System, Danone, Sentosa Development Corporation, Rio Tinto and JobStreet will either provide real life projects, internships or employment facilitation to business and digital roles. More corporate partners are being added.
“We are pleased to help add UOB’s years of experience of re-skilling mid-career professionals to the RISE programme,” says Dean Tong, head of group HR at UOB. “Our focus on growing our own timber will be translated to relevant hard and soft skills development and help trainees stand out as companies look to hire digital talent through RISE.”
According to SSG and BCG, the programme has received overwhelming interest, since sign-ups were open in December last year. Applicants, who have to be Singaporeans and PRs, include mid-career professionals with business and management experiences across different industries such as wholesale trade, finance and ICT, looking to advance their careers through high demand digital skills.
