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* UPDATE FEB 2022: The Place and Train Programme has been updated to the Career Conversion Programme (CCP): Place and Train. Contact us at enquiry@taftc.org for more information on the latest details about the programme!
Picture this: You start a new role, work full time, and take classes for free. It almost sounds too good to be true.
(If you have no idea what I’m talking about, now’s a good time to pause and read Matthew’s informative article on the Place and Train Programme!)
For candidates who are a good fit, these programmes are incredibly enriching and can impart lifelong skills. On the flip side, candidates who aren’t a good fit may find themselves struggling to juggle their commitments and responsibilities. It’s important to give this some serious thought.
But the harsh reality is: the Place and Train Programme isn’t for everyone.
Now that you understand this, the next step is asking: What should I take into consideration?
Think about where you are in your career right now. Are you new to the fashion industry? Perhaps you’ve dabbled in it here and there, but never quite focused on it. Now think about how you want your career to grow. What areas would you like to explore? Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
If you’re interested in exploring the fashion industry further, pursuing the PCP programme with TaF.tc might be just what you need to jump-start your career in fashion! As the programme spans an average of 8 to 12 modules, you’ll have the flexibility to choose courses that interest you, as well as take an exploratory leap into more unfamiliar courses.
These courses also present a unique opportunity to network with experienced trainers and students with similar interests. Connecting with people and establishing a network is another important part of advancing your career in the fashion industry.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Check out our graduates themselves: Belinda and Su May, who launched their own swimwear line, Pink Salt Swim, after meeting at TaF.tc!
The Place and Train Programme is an excellent jumping-off point for those of you who are new, but passionate about the fashion industry – it equips you with the technical skills, business know-how, and everything in between that will give you an edge in the fashion industry.
You probably know by now that the Place and Train Programme requires a year-long commitment. While some people may be put off by this commitment period, you can also view it as a year of steady employment!
The Place and Train Programme is all about supporting businesses and employees alike, and job security is undoubtedly important considering the current economic downturn. You also get the added benefit of gaining valuable PMET experience.
That being said, it’s important to recognise that this is a two-way street; if you feel that the salary offered does not sufficiently compensate you for the value you bring to the table, don’t be afraid to negotiate. You can read about the art of negotiation from HR professionals here. Your employer will also be supported under the salary support scheme, so don’t shy away from communicating with them. Since this is a year-long programme, ensuring that you’re fairly compensated from the get-go will allow you to better focus on going above and beyond what is expected of you.
The Place and Train Programme also presents a unique opportunity for employers and employees to foster a strong mentor-mentee relationship. The 70% salary support that companies enjoy gives employers the breathing space to shift to a growth mindset that best supports their employees’ efforts to upskill.
You'll also be attached to a TaF.tc mentor to support you through your journey! Meetings with this mentor typically happen once a month, but you're welcome to meet more frequently if you need further guidance and support!
Yes, job security is important. But don’t let it be the only factor you consider. Ask yourself – is this year-long commitment something I can sustain? Overloading yourself with too many high commitment activities can cause burnout and make the commitment unsustainable. On average, the Place and Train Programme is a 500 hour course, and roughly half of the course will be completed outside of your working hours.
Be honest with yourself – juggling lessons and work will be tiring. While you may be able to take some courses during working hours, you will also have to consider the evenings and weekends spent taking classes either at our campus or online. Although you’ll have to sacrifice some personal time, you’ll get the chance to accelerate your skills acquisition and better equip yourself to perform your role.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time during the programme – you have the opportunity to build new friendships and take part in engaging lessons - all while simultaneously learning and applying new skills. You just have to be willing to adjust your priorities.
Embarking on this year-long journey may seem daunting. You might be thinking: “Taking a course like this is so tiring, maybe it’s better if I do it next time…”
To this, I pose the question: If not now, then when?
People who are new or making a career switch to the fashion industry are uniquely positioned to gain the most from this programme – they build a strong foundation of skills with our courses and get real hands-on experience working in the industry. The longer you wait in your career in the fashion industry, the less you stand to gain from our diploma.
Furthermore, signing up for this programme means being paid a salary for a year and being fully sponsored for our courses. Should you choose to take the diploma on your own in the future, you would have to do these courses on your own dime and time.
Phew. That was a lot to get through. If you’re feeling uncertain and confused – good! Change is not always comfortable.
Take some time to think this through, and keep an open line of communication with your employer to set and manage expectations. Speak to trusted loved ones, and feel free to reach out to us at 6011 8066 or WhatsApp us to better understand the details specific to your course schedule.
If after much thought and consideration, you still feel uncertain, perhaps you’re not ready for the Place and Train Programme yet! Consider exploring the fashion industry in your current role or even take some individual courses under absentee payroll to learn and understand this industry and its demands.
If you think this programme is right for you, speak to your employer and we’ll work closely together with you both to make this a truly enriching experience.
Everyone’s “first step” is slightly different, but what matters is that you take that step to kick-starting your journey. Our goal here at TaF.tc is to help prospective students make informed decisions about fashion by providing you with the resources you need before taking that faithful leap.
Want to know more about the Place and Train Programme? Contact Matthew at reach out to us at 6011 8066 or WhatsApp us to find out more!
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