SINGAPORE: Train and retrain -- that is what the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) hopes the new Media Continuing Education and Training Centre will do for 3,000 professionals in the industry over the next five years. And the government is prepared to invest S$40 million to set this up.

WDA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Media Academy (SMA) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic on Saturday to establish the centre by 2011.

This is the first such partnership between private and public education and government sectors.

The WDA hopes the centre will provide a training environment to meet the changing needs of Singapore's media workforce.

"It's my passion to be able to help the sick and also it has always been my passion to want to take part in different roles and being an actor, if I ever have the chance to be," said a trainee of the Performing for TV course, Deric Sim, who is also a doctor by day.

After completing each course, participants will get a nationally issued certificate known as a statement of attainment.

They can accumulate relevant certificates in exchange for a qualification like a diploma.

Trainees can also get subsidies from the WDA of up to 80 per cent of the course fees.

"Beyond the classroom setting, we also have hands-on, practical experience of what we call on-the-job training. And after the trainees have completed their training, there will be opportunities for internships, apprenticeships and even a permanent position in the media industry," said the assistant vice-president of SMA, Janet Patt.

The SMA, which has been appointed the long-term Media Continuing Education and Training Centre, has been running a gamut of courses.

SMA says it will tap on its network of local and international partners to bring in renowned trainers and training resources. It will also gather feedback from media professionals to ensure its courses meet the industry's demands.

In the first half of next year, new courses to be rolled out include New Media Business Management, Media Sales and Marketing, as well as TV, Film and Radio Production.

The academy, which is currently at Caldecott Broadcast Centre, will move to an interim location in the middle of next year before settling at a permanent site by 2011.

- CNA/yt