The newly-formed SkillsFuture is all set to improve its outreach to more Singaporeans this year.
SkillsFuture Singapore’s key priorities this year include reaching one key group who have been unemployed due to challenges like skills mismatch and tight labour workforce.
Ng Cher Pong, SkillsFuture Singapore chief executive said, “The group of unemployed Singaporeans certainly is a pressing issue. And that’s an issue that we’re working very closely with Workforce Singapore on: Helping individuals to reskill, find new jobs.”
The agency is concerned that many are still unaware how to tap the available programmes. It aims to provide Singaporeans with opportunities to develop their potential throughout life regardless their starting points.
One better-known aspect of the initiative is the SkillsFuture credits. But beyond that, other schemes include the Earn and Learn programme and the Skills Framework. Individuals can also apply for subsidies for classes to gain skills for career growth.
Also read: SkillsFuture Credit scheme: 126,000 Singaporean users pick up new skills in the first year
SkillsFuture Singapore also plans to improve its engagement with both companies and individuals. Around 380,000 Singaporeans benefited from programmes under the SkillsFututre movement last year, it said in its latest update. This is 30,000 more than 2015.
Meanwhile, 920,000 training places have been taken up, around 11 per cent more than the 830,000 the year before. The agency counts this as one of its main achievements so far.
“We’ve made steady progress in SkillsFuture over the last one-plus year,” said Ng Cher Pong.