It's not impossible for a Nitec holder to be promoted to Insp. There's more than one way to be an Insp.
Emplacement Scheme: For good performing officers to be promoted to Insp within 5 years of service even without a degree.
A/Insp (Acting Inspector) Scheme: It means you can be any rank (SGT 1 to SI) holding your actual rank wages (Eg: SGT 1) but wearing Insp epaulettes and sign off as A/Insp [Your Name Here]. Due to your A/Insp, you have the same power to hold Insp appointment like Team Leader (TL). Once you are able to perform, SPF will send you to C course (A course shorter than OCT, 6 weeks compared to 6 months) where you will pass out as a P/Insp.
If you cannot perform as A/Insp, you just go back to your actual rank like SGT 1 and carry on the normal Police Officer career path (SGT1 -> SGT2 -> SGT3 -> SSSGT -> SI -> Insp).
Graduate Police Scheme: Basically, get your degree while you're in the force and few times a year, the scheme will open for applications and you'll attend interviews. If selected, you'll attend the 9 month residential training at HTA
But also ask yourself if SPF where you want to serve your NS. Sometimes additional reasons to sign on can be preference to go SPF/SCDF over SAF for NS.
Plus, if you say you got a passion, then keep it burning strong. Who knows, you may be staying longer than your 5 years bond.
Go ahead and sign on if you feel its what's best for you.
All the very best to you.
Yes all these you mentioned is possible, but realistically very slim.
Emplacement scheme is extremely rare and for those who are already senior officer caliber.
Acting Insp is usually given to orang lama in the force.
Graduate Scheme.. first, you need to get a diploma/a level cert and then apply to Uni. After which you need to finish uni.. so that will take >5 years.
I would say based on how CID陈Sir describe his current situation, with a strong interest in SPF and working as an NPCO, signing on with a NITEC Cert is not too bad. It is quite possible to obtain an SPF Part Time Diploma sponsorship after you have served >2 years in SPF.
