From Football Fan to Data Analyst: Vinoth’s Inspiring Journey
Vinoth Nanda Kumar, a 40-year-old former logistics operations executive and private-hire driver, turned his passion for football into a promising career in data analytics. With a love for the game, he created a dashboard to track the performances of his favourite teams, analysing formations and ball passes during matches. This fun project not only deepened his understanding of football but also ignited his interest in data analytics.
A Spark of Inspiration
Vinoth’s journey took a significant turn after he read about a fellow Lion City Sailors fan who became a data analyst for the team. Inspired by this story, he decided to take action. He enrolled in the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) for Junior Data Engineers, fully funded by his SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up. To further enhance his skills, he is also pursuing a part-time degree in Business Analytics at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Opportunities for Mid-Career Workers
This year, Singaporeans aged 40 and above received a $4,000 top-up in SkillsFuture Credit, which can be used for selected courses to boost their employability. Those pursuing full-time courses can also benefit from the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance, providing financial support during their transition. Vinoth encourages others to seize these opportunities for upskilling.
Success Stories of Career Transitions
Vinoth is not alone in his pursuit of a new career. Rekha Kaur, 53, successfully transitioned from the hospitality sector to the land transport industry through Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programme (CCP). This programme equipped her with essential skills, with WSG covering up to 90% of trainees’ salaries during training.
Similarly, Richard Toh, 65, made a shift from administration to healthcare by enrolling in specialist diplomas and training programmes. These initiatives are designed to help mid-career workers acquire relevant skills for new roles.
Support and Resources Available
For those seeking new employment, NTUC’s e2i and WSG offer career matching services and resources to assist in job searches. Starting in April 2025, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will provide financial aid to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed.
Businesses like Certis Singapore and Project Dignity are also stepping up, offering training programmes to promote lifelong learning among employees.
Embrace Change with Confidence
Navigating a career change can be daunting, but with the support of various programmes and initiatives, Singaporean mid-career workers can confidently explore new opportunities. Whether it’s through SkillsFuture initiatives or company-led training, there are ample resources available for those ready to upskill and transition into exciting new roles.
For more information on SkillsFuture initiatives and how they can help you, visit SkillsFuture Singapore.
This news serves as a reminder that pursuing your passion can lead to fulfilling career opportunities in fields like data analytics. With the right support and determination, anyone can make a successful career change.
