From corporate, engineering and finance roles into patient-facing care roles – mid-career hires bring maturity, work discipline and a strong service mindset into healthcare teams.
Featured in Lianhe Zaobao: our alumni Ms Sharon Wang (Patient Care Assistant at Changi General Hospital), Mr Lee Cheow Kang (Radiography Assistant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital) and Mr Goh Teck Peng (Senior Therapy Assistant at Jurong Community Hospital) shared their SCTP mid-career transition journeys.
Goh Teck Peng: From Finance to Therapy Assistant
After 30 years in finance, Teck Peng enjoyed a high-flying lifestyle. But his father’s stroke in 2008 made him rethink the meaning of work and life. Driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully, Teck Peng enrolled in WSQ Higher Certificate In Healthcare Support (Therapy Support) at HMI Institute.
After completing the programme, he joined Jurong Community Hospital as a Therapy Assistant. Teck Peng helps patients regain daily living functions and often bridges communication between younger therapists and elderly patients. “Caring for patients may involve helping them with basic tasks, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” he says.
Sharon Wang: Realising a Lifelong Nursing Dream
Sharon had always dreamed of being a nurse but worked in logistics and marketing for many years. At age 55, she joined HMI Institute’s SGUS Programme for Healthcare Assistants & Emergency Medical Technicians course. After six months of training and clinical practice, she became a Patient Care Assistant at Changi General Hospital, providing hands-on care to elderly patients.
“The work is physically demanding and emotionally challenging, but seeing patients recover gives me immense satisfaction. It has also brought me closer to my daughter, who is now pursuing nursing herself,” Sharon shares.
Lee Cheow Kang: Engineering Skills Applied in Healthcare
Cheow Kang, a former logistics engineer, joined HMI Institute’s (SCTP) WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare (Nursing) With Perioperative Specialisation course at 56. He now works as a Radiotherapy Assistant at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, assisting patients through treatment procedures and coordinating with nurses and therapists.
“Mid-career entrants bring valuable skills from previous industries, like structured thinking and teamwork, which help improve patient care and team continuity. With the right mindset, healthcare work is deeply rewarding and stable,” he says.
Supporting mid-career transitions
HMI Institute, a Continuing Education and Training Centre (CET) for healthcare, has trained over 400,000 learners. Programmes like SCTP give mid-career individuals practical skills, industry exposure, and support to pivot successfully into healthcare roles.
With enhanced support such as up to $3,000/month in SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance and a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) top-up, alumni like Teck Peng, Sharon, and Cheow Kang show that it’s never too late to pursue a meaningful career where every action contributes to the well-being of others.
Read their full stories here: https://www.zaobao.com.sg/lifestyle/feature/story20260116-8098412?gift=4664d2ce-ab71-43ba-8f59-b86236c299a7
