FirstCom Academy suspended 3 months for marketing breach, learners and staff affected

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s FirstCom Academy, a provider of Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training courses, has been suspended for three months by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) following breaches of marketing guidelines.

The suspension, announced on Wednesday (27 November), will run from 1 January to 31 March 2025, affecting both the academy’s operations and its funding subsidies.

The suspension stems from the academy’s use of a referral programme deemed non-compliant with SSG’s terms.

Investigations into FirstCom Academy’s marketing practices and course quality began earlier this year after public feedback.

Courses and Subsidies Affected

During the suspension period, FirstCom Academy will be prohibited from conducting any WSQ courses.

Funding subsidies for all courses commencing within this timeframe will also be suspended, meaning these courses will not be eligible for government course fee subsidies or SkillsFuture Credit usage.

SSG has also announced the termination of two of FirstCom Academy’s WSQ courses due to “lapses in ensuring course quality.”

The WSQ system, a national credential framework, focuses on training, assessing, and certifying workforce skills.

However, learners whose courses began before the suspension will not be impacted, even if their courses conclude during the suspension period.

Those whose courses have not yet started can either proceed with FirstCom Academy or contact the organisation for alternative arrangements.

SSG has also encouraged affected learners to explore similar courses offered by other SSG-registered training providers.

FirstCom Academy is required to notify affected learners of their inability to receive funding subsidies or attain the WSQ Statement of Attainment upon course completion.

SSG’s Stance and Recommendations

“FirstCom Academy should take this time to improve the practices and standards of their marketing processes and course delivery,” SSG stated, reiterating its firm stance against marketing misconduct.

It added that action would be taken against any training provider found engaging in similar violations.

According to SSG’s guidelines, training providers are prohibited from offering referral awards, conducting lucky draws, or using gifts and incentives to encourage public enrolment in registered courses.

SSG confirmed that FirstCom Academy’s referral programme had included incentives, such as vouchers, awarded to referrers for successful course sign-ups.

FirstCom Academy acknowledged the suspension on its website, stating, “To provide a better learning experience, our WSQ course curriculum will be undergoing an improvement process in Q1 2025. ”

“Please note that there will be no WSQ courses and course funding available during this period (1 January to 31 March).”

Layoffs and Support for Affected Employees

The suspension coincides with layoffs at the academy, which operates four centres across Singapore in Paya Lebar, Woodlands, Chinatown, and Tiong Bahru.

Harry Lee, president of the Education Services Union (ESU), noted that while FirstCom Academy is not unionised, there are employees who are ESU members.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and its affiliated groups, including ESU and NTUC U SME, are offering support to affected employees.

“ESU stands ready to assist any affected staff in this difficult period. We advise those of you who needs help to reach out to us,” Lee said.

Previous Enforcement and Reputation

SSG revealed that it had taken similar action against two other training providers in 2024 for non-compliance with marketing guidelines.

FirstCom Academy currently have a 4.9-star rating on Google, based on approximately 50,000 reviews.

Its website prominently displays this rating alongside details of its course subsidies and SkillsFuture Credit eligibility.

SSG has urged FirstCom Academy to use the suspension period to enhance its marketing and course delivery practices.

The regulator warned that it would continue to monitor compliance closely and take action against errant training providers.

Learners seeking alternative arrangements or guidance can approach SSG for assistance in identifying suitable training options.