My CET Upskilling Story
Post Date: 30 Jun 2025
Introduction
Feeling uncertain about staying relevant in today’s fast-changing world? You’re not alone.
Hi there! I’m Vinoth, and I had the same concern. After 12 years as a Logistics Professional, I reached a crossroads. While I was grateful for the experience, I decided to pivot industries to support my developing interests. I knew it was time for something new that would challenge and excite, but COVID-19’s arrival at the time made finding a new career especially difficult.
Then something unexpected happened. A passion project creating a football match prediction model sparked a deeper curiosity in data and analytics, an entirely new industry. It was the perfect blend of my own love for the sport and strategic analysis. That’s when I set my sights on becoming a Data Analyst.
It was a bold move into a completely new industry, but I had support.
Temasek Polytechnic’s Continuing Education and Training (CET) programme helped me to stay competitive and keep up with fresh graduates in a complex field. Let me share how I transformed uncertainty into opportunity.
What is CET?
Temasek Polytechnic’s CET programme is designed for adult learners to support them in mid-career upskilling and career transitions. Whether you’re looking to stay relevant or pivot into a new industry, CET offers flexible, industry-relevant courses to support your journey.
TP’s programmes cover emerging domains such as digital technology, sustainability, care and more. The programmes are tailored to the needs of working professionals through various learning pathways.
How Do I Apply for CET
Getting started is simple. Head over to Temasek Polytechnic’s CET online portal to explore your options and submit your application.
Available Course Types:
● Part-Time Diplomas / Post-Diplomas
● Stackable, Modular Courses
● Short Courses
● SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes
● SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP)
No matter where you are in your career, TP’s CET programme helps you take that next step, with purpose and confidence.
1. Why Did I Choose A Junior Data Engineering Course?
A drastic career switch requires a skill refresh, and I wanted to stay competitive with my colleagues.
However, my main motivator was that I wanted to ensure I could provide for my family, even in uncertain times. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the circuit breaker in place, it felt like the odds were stacked against a mid-career change.
What first drew me to Temasek Polytechnic’s CET courses was their clarity and relevance. They provided a concise breakdown of the skills I’d gain and how it would translate into real-world application on their CET webpage. That gave me the confidence to take the leap.
The course meant a momentary step away from a full-time career, but I was assured that TP’s Continuing Education and Training framework for Junior Data Engineers would equip me with the essential, industry-relevant skills needed for me to excel when venturing into the new industry.
The 12-week boot camp was incredibly insightful! I learned core technical skills such as:
Skill |
Rationale |
Data Management |
Organising, cleaning, and structuring data for analysis |
Project Management |
Leverage data analysis to enhance project planning, executions, and monitoring |
Programming Languages |
Adopted to process, analyse, and interpret data for expert extraction |
These diverse skills gave me an advantage when applying for jobs across the Data Analytics field.
A SkillsFuture subsidy enabled me to juggle a healthy work-life balance during the COVID-19 circuit breaker. The financial aid eased my mounting stress, allowing me to be more present for myself and loved ones. It’s been a fruitful investment into my future; upskilling gave me the exact competitive edge I was looking for.
2. My Experience as a Temasek Polytechnic Student
One of the things I appreciated about TP was its inclusive learning environment. I never once felt out of place. My main concern wasn’t fitting in. It was whether I could keep up with an education system that had evolved tremendously since I was a student 12 years ago.
Surprisingly, it was an easy transition! I was thrilled to discover how encouraging my lecturer was during my “training wheels” period. She guided us through a deep dive into the real-world tools and tasks used in data analytics.
She also provided ample assistance when tackling new concepts and taught me the fundamentals of what to look for as an analyst, as well as the platforms to do it with. The topics covered were comprehensive and insightful, and she was always available to address any doubts among students. Our learnt expertise was applied through projects to show what we had understood over the weeks. It was a great way to track our progress.
According to a 2025 study by ET HRSEA, 56% of Singaporeans are looking to upskill in AI and leadership to future-proof their careers. Refreshing core industry skills is now a crucial component for those focused on staying competitive in any field. The thorough training at TP strengthened my own professional development and solidified my place as a long-term asset within the workforce.
2.1 Asynchronous Adult Learning
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As an adult learner juggling work and family responsibilities, asynchronous learning was essential. Unlike traditional classroom settings, asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials anytime, anywhere. Thanks to TP’s flexible CET curriculum, I could keep progressing without compromising my commitments. Online learning allowed me to access recorded lectures, coding breakdowns, and worksheets on my own schedule.
Through SkillsFuture initiatives, I secured a job placement as a Data Analyst at an educational institute while undergoing the part-time learning programme. Temasek Polytechnic’s curriculum helped tremendously in managing my work and study! It allotted me the flexibility to learn at my own pace, often late at night or during lunch breaks.
TP gave me the space to employ time management skills for customised learning. Thinking critically, I gained clarity on my own strengths and weaknesses. It’s a skill that keeps on giving. Even at my current job, five years on, I apply these skills to analyse tasks and service gaps that can enhance my team.
2.2 Collaborative Study
One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme was how well it fostered collaboration, even in an asynchronous format. Forums and discussion boards allowed meaningful exchanges without fixed class times. We formed small peer groups to tackle coding exercises, answer each other’s doubts, and create a general support system of catered learning for fellow adult learners.
What enriched my learning experience was the diversity of perspectives. My peers, who had already gained experience in the field, guided me through the basics. It was a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from industry insiders.
The TP Takeaways
Take it from me: Temasek Polytechnic is an excellent resource for adult education and training.
The skills I gained through TP’s CET programme have not only shaped my growth but have also translated into tangible career progress. After completing the Junior Data Engineering course, I transitioned into a new role as a Business Intelligence (BI) Developer. Within just six months, the technical foundation and soft skills acquired through the programme gave me the confidence and capability to navigate this new role successfully.
From using SQL to retrieve data from a data warehouse to designing dashboards that support decision-making, I’ve been able to apply key parts of what I learnt. While not every module is used day-to-day, having this base knowledge has allowed me to hit the ground running and quickly adapt to the demands of a dynamic analytics environment.
The course also placed emphasis on soft skills - like teamwork, stakeholder communication and managing imposter syndrome - which proved equally valuable in my transition. These skills gave me the confidence to communicate effectively across teams and deliver value in my new role.
I’m proud to share that my initial contract has since been extended by another six months - an achievement I credit in no small part to the preparation and support I received through TP. It’s a major milestone and affirms that my mid-career switch was the right decision.
Upskilling through TP’s CET framework has reaped meaningful dividends. Not only has it opened new doors, but it has also instilled a mindset of lifelong learning. Today, I continue to challenge myself daily, learning something new that helps me grow personally and professionally in the data analytics field.
The hybrid learning model delivered far more than what I anticipated. It reignited a passion for strategic thinking and fulfilled my hunger to grow. What started as a football-fuelled curiosity has evolved into a deeply rewarding career path. Armed with newfound expertise, I’m now thriving in an industry I once only dreamed of joining.
Financial concerns? I get it. A substantial SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up of $4,000 helped ease my worries. As reported by SPOR, mid-career Singaporeans aged 40 and above comprised 39% of trainees supported by SkillsFuture in 2023. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed - and thanks to Temasek Polytechnic and SkillsFuture, I’ve gained the tools and confidence to push beyond limits.
For working professionals looking to continue education, check out Temasek Polytechnic’s offerings. You’ll find not only vocational training tailored to industry needs but also unwavering support every step of the way.
You won’t be alone in your journey, and you’ll be more prepared than ever for what’s next.
