SINGAPORE: Shocking Suspension

In a dramatic turn of events, FirstCom Academy has been suspended for three months due to serious violations of the guidelines set by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), raising concerns among current and prospective students. This comes at a time when the academy is also grappling with significant layoffs that have impacted a large portion of its workforce.

Beginning January 1, 2025, and lasting until March 31, 2025, FirstCom Academy will be barred from offering its Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses, which cover critical areas such as digital content creation and social media marketing. This suspension follows an investigation initiated by SSG earlier this year, triggered by public complaints regarding FirstCom Academy's marketing practices and the quality of its courses.

SSG's investigation revealed that the academy's referral program for marketing purposes was not in compliance with its regulations. As a result, all funding subsidies for courses starting during the suspension period will be revoked. This means that affected courses will no longer qualify for government subsidies or the use of SkillsFuture Credits, impacting students’ financial planning.

Moreover, SSG announced it will terminate two of FirstCom Academy's WSQ courses due to noted “lapses in ensuring course quality.” However, learners enrolled in courses commencing before the suspension will not be affected, ensuring they can complete their training as planned.

In a statement, SSG emphasized the obligation of FirstCom Academy to inform affected students about the withdrawal of funding subsidies and the inability to receive the WSQ Statement of Attainment after course completion. “FirstCom Academy should utilize this suspension to thoroughly enhance their marketing practices and course delivery standards,” SSG stated, underlining their zero-tolerance approach to marketing misconduct.

The academy has acknowledged the suspension on its website, announcing upcoming improvements to its WSQ course curriculum, noting a halt in course offerings during the suspension period.

The Controversial Referral Program

Concerns grew when reports surfaced regarding an incentivized referral program that encouraged participants to leave reviews in exchange for rewards – a blatant violation of SSG's guidelines. For example, one participant reported being offered a S$5 NTUC voucher or a S$19 umbrella for leaving a Google review. Furthermore, individuals who referred new students could receive as much as S$80 for successful sign-ups, raising serious ethical questions about FirstCom Academy’s marketing tactics.

SSG confirmed that these incentives were indeed being provided, putting the academy on a collision course with compliance issues. In fact, FirstCom Academy is not alone; SSG has taken action against two other training providers earlier in 2024 for similar infractions.

Layoffs Shake the Organization

Adding to the tumult, FirstCom Academy has faced significant layoffs. Reports indicate that approximately 70% of its corporate sales department was let go unexpectedly, leaving many employees stunned by the abrupt nature of the terminations. Affected workers shared that the layoffs extended across multiple departments, including human resources and marketing.

Harry Lee, president of the Education Services Union (ESU), provided insight into the situation, noting that while FirstCom Academy is not unionized, its employees are entitled to support from NTUC-affiliated unions. “We are actively engaging with affected members to offer assistance and access to career services,” he stated.

In light of these unsettling developments, individuals impacted by the layoffs and students concerned about their education can turn to NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute for career coaching and advisory services.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for FirstCom Academy?

As FirstCom Academy enters this challenging chapter, the future of its programs and its commitment to students and quality education hangs in the balance. With significant scrutiny from SSG and the public, how the academy responds in the coming months will be crucial for its reputation and the trust of its student body. Will they recover and emerge stronger from this setback or face further consequences? Stay tuned as we watch this story unfold!