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Skills Development and Training

Focuses on initiatives like SkillsFuture to encourage continuous learning and upskilling for workers in Singapore.

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Comprehensive Guide to Skills Development and Training in Singapore (Under Work Rights)

Singapore places a strong emphasis on skills development and lifelong learning to maintain its competitive workforce and support economic growth. The government has implemented various initiatives, regulations, and funding schemes to encourage both employers and employees to invest in upskilling and reskilling. Below is a detailed guide to skills development and training in Singapore, particularly under the category of Work Rights.

1. National Regulations and Frameworks

Singapore’s skills development and training ecosystem is governed by several key regulations and frameworks:

a) SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)

  • Overview: SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Education (MOE) that drives the national SkillsFuture movement. It oversees the development of a robust system for lifelong learning and skills mastery.
  • Key Objectives:
    • Equip Singaporeans with skills relevant to the future economy.
    • Promote employer-led training and workforce transformation.
    • Support individuals in acquiring new skills for career progression or transition.

b) Skills Development Levy (SDL)

  • What It Is: Employers are required to pay a Skills Development Levy (SDL) for all employees (including foreign workers) earning up to SGD 4,500 per month. The levy is used to fund workforce training programs.
  • Rates:
    • 0.25% of an employee’s monthly remuneration, or a minimum of SGD 2 (whichever is higher), capped at SGD 11.25 per employee per month.
  • Purpose: The SDL funds the Skills Development Fund (SDF), which supports training grants and subsidies for employers and employees.

c) Employment Act and Training Rights

  • The Employment Act ensures that employees are entitled to fair treatment, including access to training opportunities.
  • Employers are encouraged to provide training to employees as part of their professional development.

d) Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Framework

  • The WSQ is a national credentialing system that trains, develops, assesses, and certifies skills and competencies for the workforce.
  • It is industry-recognized and aligned with the needs of various sectors.

2. Skills Development and Training Programs

Singapore offers a wide range of programs and initiatives to support skills development. These programs cater to different groups, including local employees, foreign workers, and employers.

a) SkillsFuture Initiatives

  1. SkillsFuture Credit:

    • Eligibility: All Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above.
    • Amount: A one-time credit of SGD 500 (with periodic top-ups) to offset the cost of approved training courses.
    • Usage: Can be used for a wide range of courses, including WSQ programs, professional certifications, and online learning.

  2. SkillsFuture Mid-Career Support Package:

    • Target Group: Singaporeans aged 40 to 60.
    • Benefits: Enhanced subsidies for training programs and career transition support.

  3. SkillsFuture Work-Study Program:

    • Combines classroom learning with on-the-job training.
    • Open to fresh graduates from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and mid-career individuals.

  4. SkillsFuture Career Transition Program (SCTP):

    • Aimed at mid-career individuals looking to switch industries or roles.
    • Offers industry-relevant training with government subsidies.

b) Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs)

  • Overview: PCPs are part of the Adapt and Grow initiative, designed to help mid-career individuals reskill and transition into new industries.
  • Industries Covered: Healthcare, ICT, engineering, and more.
  • Subsidies: Up to 90% of course fees and salary support during training.

c) Enhanced Training Support for SMEs

  • SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) receive higher subsidies for employee training.
  • Subsidy Rates: Up to 90% of course fees for SSG-approved courses.

d) Continuing Education and Training (CET)

  • CET centers provide industry-relevant training for workers to stay competitive.
  • Courses are aligned with the WSQ framework and are subsidized by the government.

e) Training for Foreign Workers

  • Employers are encouraged to upskill foreign workers through programs like the Basic Skills Certificate (BSC) and CoreTrade Scheme for the construction sector.
  • Foreign workers are also eligible for certain WSQ courses.

3. Costs and Subsidies

The cost of training in Singapore varies depending on the program, course provider, and eligibility for subsidies. Below is a breakdown of general costs and available subsidies:

a) Course Fees

  • WSQ courses: Typically range from SGD 100 to SGD 2,000, depending on the course duration and complexity.
  • Professional certifications: Costs vary widely, with some programs exceeding SGD 10,000.

b) Government Subsidies

  1. For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs):

    • Up to 70% to 90% subsidy for SSG-approved courses.
    • Additional subsidies for mid-career individuals (aged 40 and above).

  2. For SMEs:

    • Enhanced subsidies of up to 90% for SSG-approved courses.

  3. For Foreign Workers:

    • Limited subsidies are available, but employers can claim training grants under the SDF.

c) Out-of-Pocket Costs

  • After subsidies, individuals may need to pay a small portion of the course fees. For example:
    • A SGD 1,000 course with a 70% subsidy would cost SGD 300 out-of-pocket.

4. Standard Procedures for Enrolling in Training

The process for enrolling in training programs in Singapore is straightforward:

Step 1: Identify Training Needs

  • Employees or employers should assess skills gaps and identify relevant training programs.

Step 2: Search for Approved Courses

  • Use the MySkillsFuture portal (www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg) to browse approved courses and training providers.

Step 3: Apply for the Course

  • Submit an application directly to the training provider.
  • For employer-sponsored training, the employer may handle the application process.

Step 4: Claim Subsidies

  • For individual learners: Subsidies are automatically applied for eligible courses.
  • For employers: Submit claims through the SkillsConnect portal after the employee completes the course.

Step 5: Attend and Complete Training

  • Fulfill attendance and assessment requirements to receive certification.

5. Country-Specific Considerations

When participating in skills development and training in Singapore, consider the following:

a) Work Pass Holders

  • Foreign workers on Work Permits, S Passes, or Employment Passes may face restrictions on the types of training they can attend.
  • Employers are responsible for ensuring that training aligns with the worker’s job scope and work pass conditions.

b) Lifelong Learning Culture

  • Singapore strongly promotes a culture of lifelong learning. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their skills development, while employers are expected to support workforce upskilling.

c) Sector-Specific Training

  • Certain industries, such as healthcare, ICT, and construction, have specialized training programs to address sector-specific needs.

d) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

  • The WSQ framework allows individuals to gain recognition for skills acquired through work experience, reducing the need for redundant training.

6. Key Resources

  • MySkillsFuture Portal: www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg
  • SkillsConnect Portal: www.skillsconnect.gov.sg
  • SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG): www.ssg.gov.sg
  • Workforce Singapore (WSG): www.wsg.gov.sg

Conclusion

Singapore’s robust skills development and training ecosystem ensures that both local and foreign workers have access to opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. With generous subsidies, a wide range of programs, and a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, individuals and employers can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. By leveraging these resources, workers can enhance their employability while employers can build a more capable workforce.