A Bold Career Change at 60: Finding Purpose in Healthcare
After 27 years in engineering, Vanu reached a turning point. Caring for his special needs son and late father-in-law opened his eyes to what truly mattered—helping people.
Despite his extensive experience in tunnelling and power generation, Vanu made the bold decision to switch to healthcare at 60, stepping into an entirely new industry as an Operating Theatre Technician Associate.
Fear vs. Reality: Addressing the Biggest Concerns About Career Change
Fear: Am I too old to start over?
✅ Reality: Your experience and adaptability are assets.
Switching careers later in life can be daunting, and Vanu knew his age might raise concerns. Would employers be open to hiring someone with no prior healthcare experience? Would he be able to keep up with the demands of the role?
Instead of letting these doubts hold him back, Vanu focused on preparation. He enrolled in the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) WSQ Higher Certificate in Healthcare (Nursing) with Perioperative Specialisation at HMI Institute, gaining:
✔ Structured training to bridge his knowledge gap
✔ Hands-on experience to adapt to a new environment
✔ Confidence to thrive in his role
💡 Key Takeaway: If you’re worried about starting over, look for structured training programmes that combine theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to ease your transition.
Fear: What if I fail in a completely new role?
✅ Reality: Support and training build confidence.
Vanu faced challenges—learning medical terminology, adapting to a hospital setting, and keeping up in a fast-paced environment. However, with:
✔ Support from experienced instructors
✔ A structured learning environment
✔ A determined mindset
…he steadily built confidence in his skills.
“Instead of worrying about uncertainties, I concentrated on learning and developing the skills I needed to succeed,” Vanu recalls.
💡 Key Takeaway: Confidence grows with preparation. Having a strong support system—whether through mentors, instructors, or peers—can make all the difference when adapting to a new career.
Fear: What if I can’t meet expectations?
✅ Reality: Your work ethic and past experience set you apart.
Despite entering a completely new field, Vanu’s:
✔ Adaptability
✔ Maturity
✔ Dedication to learning
…quickly earned him the respect of his colleagues at Singapore General Hospital.
His hard work was recognised when he received the Exemplary Contribution Award, nominated by his employer for outstanding performance—just one year after making his career switch.
💡 Key Takeaway: Career changes are challenging, but your work ethic, willingness to learn, and past experiences can set you apart in any industry.
It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself
Vanu’s journey proves that age is not a barrier to career success. With the right training, support, and mindset, you can overcome the fear of starting over and build confidence in a brand-new field.
How HMI Institute’s SCTP Helps Mid-Career Professionals Transition to Healthcare
✅ Up to $3,000/month SkillsFuture Mid-Career Training Allowance for Singaporeans 40 years and above (T&Cs apply)
✅ $4,000 SkillsFuture Credits (Mid-Career) Top-up Claimable
✅ Up to 90% course fee subsidies for Singaporeans, PRs, and LTVP+ holders
✅ Offset your course fees with your SkillsFuture Credit
✅ Structured learning and hands-on training
✅ Job placement support to help you secure employment in the Care Economy
Your Career Transformation Starts Today!
Find out how HMI Institute can help you take the first step
