Many of our participants ask why we dont offer WSQ/SkillsFuture classes funded by the Singapore government. At Palate Sensations Culinary School, our mission is to touch lives, impart culinary knowledge, and bridge the gap between a home gourmand and a professional chef. We have chosen not to seek government funding, focusing instead on quality education delivered by highly skilled professional chefs and instructors.

Understanding WSQ/SkillsFuture Classes

WSQ/SkillsFuture classes are designed for upskilling Singaporeans and Singapore PRs. Here's a quick overview:

• Discounts: 50% off course fees for those under 40, and 70% off for those over 40.
• SkillsFuture Credit: Singaporeans over 25 can use their SkillsFuture Credit balance to cover remaining fees.
• Duration and Cost: Typically 18 hours over 2 days, costing around $450 before GST.
• Enrollment Process: Involves a pre-course survey, a lengthy registration process, and signing in with Singpass multiple times daily.
• Course Content: Includes 30-40% theory, with participants expected to do their own mise en place and clean up.
• Assessment: Includes both oral/written and practical exams.
• Feedback and Attendance: Participants must fill in feedback forms, and training providers face strict compliance audits.
• Instructor Requirements: Instructors need ACLP certification, which is hard to obtain and costly.

While these classes offer significant subsidies, they are structured with numerous requirements and constraints.

The Advantage of Palate Sensations Paid Classes

Here's why our paid classes stand out:

• Time Efficiency: Classes last 3-4 hours, saving up to 15 hours compared to WSQ/SkillsFuture classes.
• Simple Enrollment: Quick and straightforward online registration.
• Practical Focus: Hands-on learning without the burden of theory or exams.
• Convenience: No need to wash up—our cleaning staff handles it.
• Prepared Ingredients: Chefs prepare the mise en place, allowing participants to focus on cooking.

For a Thai Cuisine class teaching up to 4 dishes, our fees range from $148 to $168 nett per participant, compared to the $450 before GST for a WSQ/SkillsFuture class.

Cost and Time Comparison

For Participants Below 40 Years Old:

• WSQ/SkillsFuture: $225 before GST (after subsidy).
• Palate Sensations: $148 to $168 nett.
• SkillsFuture Credit Usage: Could potentially reduce WSQ/SkillsFuture cost to $0.
• Without SkillsFuture Credit: $225 vs. $148-$168, with an additional 14 hours required and an assessment to complete.

For Participants Above 40 Years Old:

• WSQ/SkillsFuture: $135 before GST (after subsidy).
• Palate Sensations: $148 to $168 nett.
• SkillsFuture Credit Usage: Could potentially reduce WSQ/SkillsFuture cost to $0.
• Without SkillsFuture Credit: $135 vs. $148-$168, with an additional 14 hours required and an assessment to complete.

Conclusion

While there are cost savings to attending WSQ/SkillsFuture classes, the classes are much longer and the structure of the class is very rigid and therefore it may not be suitable for everyone. At Palate Sensations, our classes are streamlined, practical and the emphasis is on an enjoyable hands on learning experience. We encourage participants to consider their goals and choose a reputable training provider that meets their needs. Since 2005, our reputation speaks for itself, and we are committed to delivering high-quality culinary education. 

By highlighting the differences and benefits of each option, we hope that our participants can make an informed decision that aligns with their needs. We have received alot of feedback from our participants about offering WSQ/SkillsFuture classes so we will go ahead and design some classes and hopefully by early 2025, they should be up! Stay tuned! In the mean time, you can always attend our paid classes.