Upskilling vs Reskilling: What You Need to Know 

upskilling vs reskilling

Why We Never Stop Learning at Work These Days 

In Singapore’s job market that’s always changing, just having experience doesn’t guarantee you’ll keep your job.  

As AI smart computers, and online tools shake up different industries, to stay in the game you need to keep improving what you know — and learn to handle new tasks. 

This is where upskilling and reskilling come into play. These two approaches are key to Singapore’s SkillsFuture program and can help workers at every level — from new graduates just out of school to those in the middle of their careers — stay useful and able to get jobs. 

Upskilling involves getting better at what you do now, while reskilling gets you ready to switch jobs or industries. Both play a crucial role in helping you succeed in Singapore’s changing job market. 

Upskilling vs Reskilling: How Do They Differ? 

Upskilling: Becoming Better at Your Current Job 

It means you improve the skills you already have or learn new ones to do your current job better.  

Take an accountant who starts to use smart AI Driven accounting programs like Xero or QuickBooks Online. This accountant is upskilling — doing their work faster and more with digital tools. 

Example: A marketing executive enrolling in a WSQ Digital Marketing Course to gain mastery in analytics and automation has an impact on their ability to stay ahead in their profession. 

Goal: To grow and advance within your current career path.  

Result: Better productivity, promotions, and more in-depth expertise. 

Reskilling: Getting Ready for a Career Change 

Reskilling involves learning new skills to move into a different role or industry. For instance, a content writer might study SEO, Google Ads, or data analytics to transition into digital marketing. 

Goal: To acquire skills for a career shift.  

Result: New opportunities in different job roles and industries. 

Upskilling helps you grow where you are; reskilling helps you start a new where fresh chances pop up. 

Why Upskilling and Reskilling Matter in 2025 

As Singapore shifts to a digital-first economy, fields from HR and accounting to logistics and manufacturing are changing fast. Companies now look for pros who can adapt, learn, and come up with new ideas. 

PwC 2024 Global Workforce Survey shows: 

  • 51% of workers planning to switch careers think they’ll need to update their skills in the next five years. 
  • Just 29% of those not planning a switch see this need — showing how being aware leads to being flexible. 

This makes it clear that people who keep learning new skills will excel in jobs from 2025 onwards. 

Top Benefits of Upskilling and Reskilling 

1. Better Job Performance 

Upskilling helps you to complete tasks more and using digital tools to simplify work. Reskilling allows you to use transferable skills in new positions — making you flexible and inventive. 

2. Long-lasting Employability 

Tech changes faster than ever. Learning new abilities through WSQ or SkillsFuture-approved courses keeps you in demand even as job duties change. 

Example: HR executives who learn about AI-powered HRMS systems or data-driven performance tracking make their roles future-proof in the digital workplace. 

3. Better Career Mobility and Job Security 

When you have skills in high demand, you’re not stuck in one industry. Upskilling increases your chances for promotion, while reskilling opens new paths — lowering the risk of becoming redundant. 

4. More Confidence and Motivation 

Learning non-stop helps you grow as a person. It makes you more sure of what you can do helping you handle change with a clear head instead of fear. 

How to Upskill or Reskill in Singapore (2025 Edition) 

The Singapore Government has made lifelong learning and employability a top goal through SkillsFuture and Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programs. Here’s how you can use these resources to get ahead. 

  1. Take WSQ-Certified Courses 

The Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system offers courses recognized nationwide in fields like HR, accounting digital marketing, and AI. Experts from various industries help design these courses to match actual workplace demands. 

Perks

  • Employers across Singapore accept these qualifications 
  • Singapore Citizens and PRs can get discounts of up to 70–90
  • You can use SkillsFuture Credits to pay for remaining costs 

Quick Tip: Pick WSQ-approved schools like Info-Tech Academy. They run hands-on, tech-focused classes that line up with Singapore’s plan to update its workforce. 

  1. Check Out Online Learning Sites 

If you need flexibility think about worldwide platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy. They have remote, watch-anytime classes in business AI, coding, and talking skills — great for people who like to learn at their own speed. 

Mix them with WSQ classes to get both local papers and worldwide certificates. 

  1. Use Work Training and Job Help 

Many Singapore companies now put money into in-house learning through the Company Training Committee (CTC) program and SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC).  

Taking part in these programs allows you to: 

  • Get direct lessons from your workplace mentors 
  • Put new skills to use right away 
  • Boost your company’s readiness to change 

Check out WSQ Courses at Info-Tech Academy 

If you want to improve skills in your job or learn new skills for a different career,  Infotech Academy has WSQ courses you can claim with SkillsFuture that fit Singapore’s changing job scene. 

Popular WSQ Courses (2025): 

Category Course Title Duration Mode 
HR & Payroll WSQ Human Resource Course 2 Days Classroom 
Accounting WSQ Accounting Course 2 Days Classroom 
AI & Digital Productivity WSQ Generative AI Course for Business 2 Days Classroom/Online 
Office Skills WSQ Essential Office Skills Course 1 Day Classroom 
Communication WSQ Leadership & Negotiation Skills 2 Days Classroom 

WSQ accredits each course. You can claim SkillsFuture credits for these courses. Industry-certified trainers lead all courses. 

Why Choose Info-Tech Academy? 

  • Info-Tech Systems Ltd, a public HR tech firm supports us 
  • You’ll learn by doing using actual HR and accounting programs 
  • We’re a government-approved WSQ provider (ATO) 
  • Our courses qualify for SkillsFuture, MCES, and UTAP funding 

Conclusion:  

In 2025 top professionals won’t just have experience — they’ll be adaptable.  

By learning new skills and retraining, you boost your future job security, employability, and earning power. 

You’re not starting over — you’re getting smarter

 Begin your change today with Info-Tech Academy’s WSQ courses and build a career that’s ready for tomorrow’s workplace. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the main difference between upskilling and reskilling?

Upskilling boosts your existing skills to advance your career in the same field. Reskilling teaches you new skills to switch to a different job or industry.

Tech, AI, and automation are changing jobs fast. Non-stop learning keeps you employable and flexible in Singapore’s changing job market.

Yes. The nation recognizes WSQ courses and you can claim them through SkillsFuture. They offer organized, industry-approved training to help you move up or change careers.

Yes. Singaporeans 40 years and older qualify for the Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES). This subsidy can cover up to 90% of course fees.

Check out WSQ courses at Info-Tech Academy. Get in touch with our team. We’ll help you pick courses, claim SkillsFuture credits, and sign up.