SINGAPORE - In the effort to push knowledge about SkillsFuture deeper into the heartland, the SkillsFuture Advice @ CDC programme will rope in a new army of seniors to spread the word.

It will tap up to 3,500 new ambassadors from RSVP Singapore, an organisation that promotes volunteering among the elderly. They will be deployed islandwide depending on where they are needed.

Training will come from South West Community Development Council (CDC), according to a memorandum of understanding signed between the two organisations on Friday (Feb 2).

The programme, which began in January, has already trained 50 ambassadors. Their roles include assisting SkillsFuture trainers during workshops, and speaking to residents in the heartland at SkillsFuture roadshows.

Mayor of South West District Low Yen Ling made the announcement at the RSVP Singapore Volunteer Appreciation Day event on Friday, saying to the gathered volunteers: "As SkillsFuture Advice Ambassadors, you play an important role in spreading the culture of lifelong learning by example and in deed."

The SkillsFuture Advice @ CDC programme was launched late last year, and aims to provide Singaporeans with information about skills, training, and job opportunities to help them develop professionally.

The ambassadors will go through a 90-minute SkillsFuture workshop, as well as regular courses to keep them up to date with industry trends and SkillsFuture news.

Mr Koh Juay Meng, president of RSVP Singapore, said: "We have always encouraged our seniors to continuously upskill and upgrade themselves to stay relevant with technology and societal changes... As SkillsFuture ambassadors, our seniors will now be empowered to encourage their peers to join them on a lifelong learning journey."

The appreciation event was held at Suntec Singapore.