17 SkillsFuture Courses for Interior Design & Property

We’ve all heard of Skillsfuture - but what is it exactly? SkillsFuture is a national movement launched in Singapore to promote lifelong learning and skills development for all citizens. Its history is a story of a shift in national focus, from traditional education to one that emphasises skills mastery and continuous learning throughout a person’s life and career.

However, some of your Skillsfuture credits may soon be expiring:

• All Singaporeans receive $500 Skillsfuture Credit that Singaporeans receive when they turn 25 (not expiring)
• One-off $500 Skillsfuture Credit top-up given to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above on December 31, 2020 during Covid to encourage reskilling (expiring on Dec 31, 2025)
• Additional $500 credit provided to Singaporeans aged 40 to 60 as of December 31, 2020 (not expiring)
• Extra $4,000 credit given to Singaporeans aged 40 and above from May 1, 2024 (not expiring)

What to do with your Skillsfuture credits? Here are some interior design, home maintenance and repair, and property-related courses to tickle your fancy, of course!

Plumbing Maintenance by Institute of Technical Education ($360)

Basically, this course is all about giving you the practical know-how to fix stuff around your house. It’s for anyone who wants to learn how to repair and replace the water pipes and other bits and bobs in their home. By the end of it, you’ll be able to handle simple plumbing jobs and clear blocked drains like a pro.

You’ll get stuck in with all the gear for water supply pipes and fittings, so you’ll know exactly how they work. The course also teaches you all about flushing cisterns and flush valves—how they’re built, how to use them, and how to service them properly.

A really handy bit is that you’ll figure out what all the different sanitary traps are for. Best of all, you’ll learn how to use both manual and power-driven tools to find and clear blockages in your drainage system. So, when that drain clogs, you’ll know exactly what to do. Easy peasy!

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Handyman Home Repair Maintenance by SL2 Impact Limited ($190)

This is a hands-on, seven-hour course that’s basically your crash course in DIY. It’s designed to give you the confidence to tackle all those little home repairs yourself. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be able to sort out a bunch of common problems around the house without having to fork out cash for a handyman.

You’ll get to grips with a power drill and learn how to use it on all sorts of different materials, like wood, metal, and concrete. You’ll also learn how to change various door knobs and locks and get the hang of installing and adjusting cabinet hinges. They’ll also show you how to patch up holes in your walls and even how to replace broken tiles. All in all, you’ll walk away with some seriously useful skills that’ll save you a bit of a bob and a lot of faff!

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Handyman Home Electrical Repairs by SL2 Impact Limited ($190)

This seven-hour course is your go-to guide for sorting out the most common electrical bits and bobs around the house. It’s all about getting your hands dirty and giving you the skills to handle those jobs yourself, so you don’t have to call someone in every time a light goes out. You’ll be ready to tackle those little fixes with confidence.

You’ll start by getting a handle on LED lighting, learning how to swap out your old lamps for more energy-efficient ones. You’ll also learn to replace wall sockets, sort out electrical cabling, and even fix those dodgy light switches. Plus, you’ll be shown how to service ceiling fans and handle the wiring for your AV systems and digital TV conversion. Basically, you’ll pick up all the skills you need to become your own electrician for the most common household repairs.

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Handyman Furniture & Fabric Fixes by SL2 Impact Limited ($190)

This seven-hour course is your all-in-one guide to fixing up furniture and fabrics. It’s designed to give you the skills to handle those annoying little repairs around your home yourself, so you can save some money and keep your favourite items in great shape. You’ll get plenty of hands-on practice, so you’ll feel confident tackling these jobs on your own.

You’ll start with furniture repair, learning how to fix breaks in wooden furniture and deal with wobbly joints. You’ll also learn how to fill in any dents and gaps, and even install new locks, knobs, and handles. On top of that, you’ll get to grips with staining and lacquering to give your furniture a fresh look.

For fabric repair, you’ll learn a bunch of useful skills, from basic hand sewing to using a sewing machine for simple fixes. You can apply these skills to mend everything from bags and cushions to clothes. By the end, you’ll know how to repair furniture surfaces and fix your own upholstery and cushions. It’s all about helping you keep things in top nick without needing a professional!

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Basic Air-Con Maintenance Course by Aestheticar Pte Ltd ($290)

This is a very practical, hands-on course that’ll teach you everything you need to know about keeping an air-con system in top shape. It’s an entry-level programme, so you don’t need any prior experience or technical know-how. If you’re keen to understand how air-con units work and want to learn how to maintain them yourself, this course is for you.

You’ll get a solid understanding of how different air-con systems and their parts work, and then you’ll dive straight into the practical stuff. You’ll learn how to perform all the necessary preparation work and serviceability checks before doing any maintenance. The course will teach you how to properly service and maintain air-con units and ensure everything is working as it should. By the end, you’ll be able to spot any faults and know how to record all your maintenance activities. Basically, you’ll have all the skills to keep that cool air flowing all year round.

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Air-Conditioning Basic Maintenance for Home Split Unit by ITE ($540)

This is a comprehensive, hands-on course that goes way beyond basic maintenance. Over 24 hours, you’ll learn how to properly maintain, troubleshoot, and repair residential split-type air-con units. It’s a deep dive into the a/c system, giving you the skills to handle serious repairs and keep your unit running smoothly.

First, you’ll get a solid foundation in the theory behind air-con systems. You’ll learn how a simple refrigeration system works, understand how to read pressure gauges, and get to know the different components and controls. You’ll also cover the safety precautions you need to take when working with these systems and the important factors to consider during installation.

Then, you’ll put that knowledge to work in the practical sessions. You’ll learn to interpret wiring diagrams, install a split-type unit from scratch, and even test and replace faulty electrical and mechanical parts. On top of that, you’ll get hands-on experience with maintenance, like cleaning the coils and filters, so you can handle every aspect of air-con repair. By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills to fix major issues and not just the simple ones.

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Home Electrical Safety and Basic Electrical Maintenance by ITE ($240)

This course is your essential guide to understanding electricity at home. It’s a foundational programme that focuses on keeping you and your family safe. You’ll get to grips with basic electrical principles and learn how to prevent accidents before they happen. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about the power running through your home.

You’ll start with the most important part: electrical safety. You’ll understand why it’s so crucial and learn all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. You’ll also figure out what to do when a power trip occurs.

On the practical side, you’ll learn how to make basic wiring connections and use a multimeter—a handy tool for checking that everything is connected correctly and safely. It’s all about giving you the knowledge to handle minor electrical tasks securely and with peace of mind.

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Basic Electrical Installation and Control by Singapore Polytechnic ($800)

Alright, if you’re looking to get serious about electrical work, this 30-hour course is for you. It’s a proper deep dive into basic electrical installations, but with a focus on doing things the right way, so you’ll be fully compliant with all the rules and regulations here in Singapore. You’ll get a good mix of classroom learning and hands-on practice to make sure it all sinks in.

This isn’t an absolute beginner’s course—you’ll need to have some basic knowledge of Ohm’s Law and how to figure out resistances. But if you’ve got that down, you’ll learn the proper way to design and carry out electrical installations. This course is all about giving you the foundational skills and practical know-how to handle electrical work that’s not just functional, but also safe and up to standard.

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Interior Design Course for Singapore Residences – Construction and Material Study (Basic) by SIT ($1,100)

This is a one-day, eight-hour course that gives you a solid introduction to the world of interior design and construction. It’s all about helping you understand the roles of an interior designer and a builder during a residential fit-out, so you know exactly what happens behind the scenes.

You’ll get to grips with the key concepts and standard processes involved in an interior fit-out project. The course uses case studies and exercises to make it easy to understand how these ideas apply to the local construction industry here in Singapore. By the end, you’ll have a much better idea of how these projects come to life and what goes into making them happen.

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Interior Design Proposal by ITE ($1,208)

This is a pretty serious, long-haul course, clocking in at 120 hours. It’s all about teaching you how to become a proper interior designer, from the very beginning of a project right through to the end. The goal is to give you the skills to create a full interior design proposal that’s ready to present to a client.

You’ll learn how to develop a strong concept or theme for your designs, which is the most important part of any project. You’ll also get into the practical side of things, like figuring out which materials, furniture, and fixtures to use. And of course, you’ll learn how to master the use of colours to bring your vision to life. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be able to design and produce a complete interior design proposal that looks professional and well-thought-out.

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Home Renovation - Preparation & Ideas by ITE ($120)

This is a one-day, seven-hour course that’s perfect if you’re thinking about sprucing up your home. For just $120, you’ll get a solid introduction to the basics of interior design, learning how to improve your living spaces like a pro. It’s all about giving you the confidence to take charge of your own renovation.

First up, you’ll learn how to create a proper design brief so you can clearly outline your needs and goals. Then, you’ll dive into design concepts and styles, exploring different themes and creating mood boards to bring your ideas to life. You’ll also get clued up on how to choose the right materials and colours and understand the best ways to use lighting to create the perfect vibe.

On the practical side, you’ll learn all about space planning and how to arrange furniture to make the most of your home. Finally, the course teaches you how to create a proper work schedule, so your renovation project runs smoothly and finishes on time. It’s a great way to gain some key design skills without a huge time commitment.

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Real Estate Salesperson Course by Life Mastery Academy ($773)

This is a comprehensive, 54-hour course designed to prepare you to become a licensed real estate salesperson, or as it’s commonly known, a property agent. It’s a mandatory programme you have to complete before you can sit for the official Real Estate Salesperson (RES) exam. The course is all about giving you the legal and practical knowledge you’ll need to work in the property industry in Singapore.

You’ll get a solid understanding of the laws and policies that govern real estate work here. This includes everything from land laws and contract agreements to the specific rules for handling different property types, like HDB and private homes. You’ll also learn about the various financing options available. Once you’ve finished the course and passed the exam, you’ll be able to register with an agency and start your career.

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Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Course by Singapore Estate Agents Association ($768)

This 54-hour course is a must if you want to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Singapore. It’s designed to give you all the foundational knowledge you’ll need to pass the official exam and start your career as a property agent. The main goal is to make sure you’re fully equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle real estate transactions legally and professionally.

You’ll start by getting a solid grasp of key real estate concepts, including market trends, the law of contract, and agency laws. You’ll also dive into the specific rules for different property types—residential, commercial, and industrial—and learn how to handle everything from title searches to financial calculations.

Beyond the basics, the course focuses heavily on professional ethics, best practices, and the latest government regulations. This is all about ensuring you can do your job well and uphold the professional standards of the industry. Once you complete the course and pass the exam within two years, you’ll be ready to get your license and legally handle real estate deals.

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Managing Real Estate Wealth by National University of Singapore ($1,050)

This seven-hour course from the National University of Singapore is a fantastic introduction to managing real estate wealth. It’s designed to give you a comprehensive overview of how to create value from property, understand the entire real estate market, and figure out your own investment strategy.

You’ll get to grips with key concepts like risk appetite and investment returns, and you’ll learn how to analyse the effect of using leverage in your investments. The course also dives into topics like real estate development and financing.

Beyond that, you’ll get a solid framework for real estate wealth management. You’ll cover everything from the principle of reinvestment and capital appreciation to important decisions like upgrading, mortgage financing, and refinancing. It also explores options for using your property for retirement, such as downsizing, reverse mortgages, and the Lease Buyback Scheme. It’s all about equipping you with the knowledge to make smart, informed decisions about your property.

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Financial Analysis for Residential Real Estate by Salt Pte Ltd ($308)

This 9.5-hour course is designed for anyone who wants to get a handle on the financial side of buying residential property, whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate professional. It’s all about giving you the skills to analyse a property’s financial viability, so you can make a smart, informed decision.

You’ll be using real-world tools like Excel spreadsheets to learn how to measure a property’s performance and understand key financial ratios. The course is broken down into four key units where you will learn to:

• Determine if an income-producing property is a good investment.
• Compare different financial analysis frameworks to find the best fit for your situation.
• Understand key metrics and ratios used to figure out if a purchase is viable.
• Calculate investment returns using various financial methods.

Essentially, you’ll get a solid framework for analysing a property’s finances, helping you to make sound decisions on one of the biggest purchases of your life.

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Property Tax Programme Level 1 by Tax Academy of Singapore ($1,050)

This 21-hour course is all about giving you the foundational knowledge of property tax in Singapore. It’s designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how property tax is assessed and the principles behind it, making it perfect for anyone who needs to get a solid grasp of the subject.

You’ll get an introduction to the Singapore Tax Regime and dive into the specifics of property tax. You’ll cover the fundamental principles of property tax assessment, learn about the different methods of assessment and valuation, and even get an overview of Stamp Duty. The course uses lectures, discussions, and practical case studies to make sure you really understand these key concepts.

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Property Law by Singapore University of Social Sciences ($1,461)

This 20-hour course from the Singapore University of Social Sciences is a comprehensive introduction to property law. It’s designed to give you a solid understanding of the legal principles behind owning, transacting, and leasing property here in Singapore.

You’ll start with the basics, getting a grasp on the types of property and the legal meaning of land. The course then dives into key concepts like tenures and estates, and how property ownership and interests are created and transferred. You’ll also learn the differences between easements and covenants.

The bulk of the course covers the legal process of conveyancing, which is the transfer of property ownership. You’ll get familiar with relevant legislation like the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSA), and you’ll even be introduced to drafting leases and other important documents. By the end, you’ll have a strong legal foundation for navigating the real estate business.

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History

The SkillsFuture initiative was first announced by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally in 2014. The concept was a response to the changing global economy, which saw a rapid pace of technological disruption and a growing need for workers to constantly upskill and reskill to remain relevant.

The core idea was to build a system where every Singaporean could develop their fullest potential, regardless of their starting point. The SkillsFuture Council, led by then-Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, was formed in late 2014 to develop and drive this national effort. The movement officially launched in 2015.

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SkillsFuture Credit (2016)

One of the most significant and well-known initiatives was the provision of an initial S$500 credit to all Singaporeans aged 25 and over. This credit could be used to offset the costs of a wide range of approved courses, making skills acquisition more accessible and encouraging individuals to take charge of their own learning. Subsequent top-ups were given in 2017 and 2020.

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Formation of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) (2016)

The SkillsFuture Singapore Agency (SSG) was formed on 26 October 2016, to drive the national movement. It took over the functions of the Council for Private Education (CPE) and absorbed some functions from the Workforce Development Agency (WDA). The creation of SSG streamlined and focused the government’s efforts on skills development and lifelong learning.

Skillsfuture Work-Study Programmes

To bridge the gap between education and employment, SkillsFuture introduced various work-study programmes. These provide fresh graduates and mid-career individuals with structured on-the-job training, allowing them to gain industry-relevant skills while pursuing a diploma or degree.

The Next Bound of SkillsFuture (2020)

Announced in Budget 2020, this phase of the movement focused on providing more targeted support for mid-career workers and increasing the role of employers in workforce development. This included a one-off S$500 SkillsFuture Credit top-up for Singaporeans aged 40 to 60.

SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme (2024)

In a significant policy update, the government announced a new S$4,000 top-up in SkillsFuture Credit for all Singaporeans aged 40 and over, effective from May 2024. This initiative aims to provide substantive support for mid-career workers to pursue a “skills reboot” and stay relevant in a fast-changing economy. The new credit is intended for career-relevant, high-quality courses.

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