Programmes in CFA

Each year the CFA admits APSN students aged 16 and above into its full-time programme. These students would have to pass a one-month trial and work assessment by the Centre. During the programme, clients learn basic skills such as cooking, cashiering, sales, cleaning and gardening. Some also learn more specialized skills such as grass-cutting where they are taught to operate lawn mowers, hand-held grass trimmers and blowers.

Finding Jobs for Our Clients

After or even during the programme, those found to be ready for open employment would be matched with an interested employer. Depending on their employer, they may be asked to go through a job trial, lasting a few days to weeks, or they will be asked to go on a longer attachment of a few months. If they are deemed suitable, they will be offered a job and paid according to their skills and abilities.

To enable those who have been successfully placed to maintain their job for at least a year, the job placement offi cers at the APSN CFA provide them close support in the form of regular visits and counseling. They also liaise with employers and parents to address their concerns.

Continued Support

Even after the one-year support is over, the Centre continues to keep in touch with its members through monthly social gatherings. Whenever necessary, it provides and facilitates access to counselling and other professional services, including psychological occupational and speech therapy to help members and their families cope with the challenges of adult working life. Members are also encouraged to take up courses to upgrade themselves.

To be more relevant and to enhance their employability, CFA also emphasizes technical training, leveraging on existing courses available, e.g. SHATEC courses for catering. Whilst our four schools are adequately funded by MOE, the same does not apply to CFA.