The rise of the digital economy has led to a huge increase in demand for Tech talents in Singapore

According to recruitment agency Robert Walters Singapore, tech talents in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity and Software Engineering will continue to be in great demand in 2022 and beyond. Within the Financial Services sector, in particular, recruitment agencies expect salaries for in-demand tech talents to increase by as much as 30% over the next 2 years, as reported by the Straits Times.

For local polytechnic graduates who aspire to be a Tech professional, but are hesitant to make the career switch due to a lack of relevant qualifications or skills – we have great news for you! The Technology in Finance Programme (TFIP) can help you kickstart your career in various Technology fields within the Financial Services sector.

In its fourth run this year, TFIP 2022 will provide trainees with full-time structured training programmes conducted by well-established training providers such as DigiPen and NUS-ISS, followed by on-the-job training at one of  over 60 financial institutions partnering IBF on the programme this year.

Trainees will also receive a monthly training allowance of $4,500 or $5,500 (based on the tech area) for the full duration of the programme.

​Check out what past TFIP trainees have to say about the programme:

Brian Chiong Cloud Engineer, DBS Poly Diploma in Business Analytics

Before joining TFIP, I was a Product Specialist involved in project delivery, software/hardware testing and training account managers on new technologies. When my previous company was considering migrating to Microsoft’s Azure, I started researching more about “The Cloud”. I found out that this was a rapidly growing space and that Cloud was here for the long haul.

TFIP is unmatched. The trifecta of tech skills training, attachment to a financial institute and ample allowance have made applying for TFIP an easy decision. The focus on candidates who are making a career switch helped to make me feel less intimidated. The chance of conversion to permanent staff was a huge incentive.

Interacting with my coursemates from different age ranges and industry backgrounds helped widen my perspective on careers, technologies and life in general. This along with being part of a great team has made my transition to Cloud very smooth.

DBS has a strong culture of learning and sharing. We have access to the DBS Learning Hub where we could attain DBS certifications in various technologies (SRE, CyberSecurity, DevOps etc). We were provided access to other learning platforms like PluralSight and Udemy as well. The list goes on, from shadowing mentors, engaging external trainers from AWS and regular cross-sharing amongst teams via mini-conferences and documentation.

I have been telling all my peers interested in a tech career to try this programme. It is very rare to have such a great entry point to the technology space. It is also very cool that there are so many tracks available (Cybersecurity, AI, Data etc). I am sure there will be something for everyone!

​ Shawn Tan Software Engineer, Prudential Poly Diploma in Business and Information Technology

I was an IT support engineer prior to joining TFIP. While in polytechnic, I had learned programming but did not have the opportunity to use those skills in my previous roles. However, I had always wanted to try my hand at programming so when I chanced upon this TFIP programme from a friend, I went for it.

The structured training was demanding, rigorous and fast paced, which prepared us for the work environment in financial institutions. It was a great experience as I got to connect with many like-minded people during training and forged new friendships. Most importantly, it gave me an opportunity to do programming and grow my skills in a new area.

My experience at Prudential has been amazing. My mentor and colleagues are always patient and ready to teach and guide me along, which helped me to familiarise myself with the system and how things work in Prudential. For those who are interested in the tracks offered in TFIP and considering a career in the financial sector, keep an open and curious mind, and just go for it!