Background

National Service (NS) is the bedrock of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and cornerstone of Singapore's development and stability. It exists to fulfil the critical need of national security and defence. Many generations of Singaporeans have served and continue to serve with pride, honour and commitment. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF are committed to supporting Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) by maximising their contributions through professional accreditation and academic qualifications of their skills gained during NS.

Accreditation of Professional Skills

Attainment of Certificate of Competency for Seafarers

From 1 July 2022, NSFs both past and present, who graduated from Nautical Studies or Marine Engineering diplomas can apply to have their sea-time serving on board the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) ships recognised, facilitating their attainment of Certificate of Competencies (COCs¹) 3 and 5. 

NSFs who are serving onboard certain types² of RSN ships and have completed required tasks will acquire sea-time towards obtaining COCs 3 and 5, given that some shipboard operations and duties are similar. This will be facilitated with completion of the Training and Assessment Record Book (TARB) that will be submitted for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA³) examiner's assessment as part of their COC application.

This arrangement enables NSFs to pursue their seafaring career and strengthen their competencies while serving NS. NSFs who become qualified merchant ship officers and engineers will also be identified to serve more meaningfully in expertise roles and contribute their professional maritime expertise as Operationally Ready National Servicemen.

Workforce Skills Qualification

Since 2017, MINDEF/SAF has collaborated with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to professionally recognise the leadership, technical, and specialist skills acquired by NSFs during NS under the Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) system⁴. For example, NSFs who has completed the Emergency Medical Technician course can receive a WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare (Nursing). MINDEF and the SAF will continue to strengthen the partnership with SSG to obtain accreditation for more NS skills so as to maximise the contributions of NSFs and increase opportunities for those who are transitioning to the workforce.

Attainment of Academic Qualifications during NS

Work-Learn Scheme

Since 2018, MINDEF/SAF has launched five Work-Learn Schemes (WLS) across different domains. Servicemen undergo training and education to attain a MINDEF-sponsored ITE or Polytechnic diploma, or partial university credits whilst undergoing military training and serving their NS.

The newest WLS by MINDEF/SAF is the Digital WLS, which was introduced in March 2022, to meet the SAF's operational needs in software development, cloud development and Artificial Intelligence (AI). NSFs who enlist from April 2023 and are interested to pursue undergraduate studies in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Data Science and AI can apply for this scheme. Selected servicemen can take academic modules in Nanyang Technological University while serving four years with the SAF, enabling them to earn academic credits that will contribute to the eventual completion of a degree.

The five WLS currently available for servicemen are summarised in the following table:

Conclusion

These schemes allow MINDEF/SAF to support NSFs in their post-NS transition to the workforce and higher education institutions and the workforce by accrediting the relevant skillsets they have gained during their time in the SAF.

Interested parties may call the NS Hotline at 1800-3676767 or email contact@ns.sg to find out more.

¹COC 3 refers to deck officer COC Class 3; COC 5 refers to marine engineer officer COC Class 5. All seafarers working onboard foreign-going merchant ships must have valid certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended (STCW) with respect to their duties performed on board.

²RSN ships not less than 500 Gross Tonnage with main engine propulsion of at least 750 KW.

³In Singapore, MPA is the maritime administration that assesses and issues seafarer certificates.

⁴The WSQ is a national skills credential system based on industry standards.