Techblog
Government Manpower Resources for Singapore SMEs
SMEs looking to expand their business can take advantage of government manpower resources that include grants,incentives and special schemes designed to enhance their productivity and benefit staff members.
The quality of the workforce is paramount to SMEs achieving success in Singapore's competitive landscape and tight labour market. Here are some schemes SMEs can use to develop the workforce.
WorkPro
Jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM), WorkPro offers a series of grants and incentives to SMEs looking to augment their workforce.
It specifically encourages SMEs to employ from the local talent pool of back-to-work (those who have been out of the work force over the past three months) and mature workers, to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, in general.
This is made possible by SMEs implementing better age management, job redesign and flexible work arrangement strategies. By offering an improved work-life balance, SMEs can expect to achieve expansion and employee retention.
WorkPro funding is available to Singapore-registered and -incorporated businesses, societies and non-profit organisations. With $170 million in funding made available to such companies over a three-year period since 2013, SMEs are expected to comprise 70 per cent of the companies that can benefit from it.
Enterprise Training Support (ETS)
Another programme offered by the WDA and MOM is Enterprise Training Support (ETS), which is geared towards enhancing the productivity of businesses.
There are five types of grants available under the ETS programme:
- Training Grant
- Capability Grant
- Curriculum Contextualisation and Alignment Grant
- HR Development Grant
- Compensation and Benefits System Review Grant
These grants enable SMEs to enhance their training and human resource development capabilities. By up-skilling their employees, SMEs benefit from increased productivity and innovation, as well as their marketability in what is otherwise a competitive labour market.
Likewise, the $20 million funding pool, made available since 2013 for a two-year period, is open to local companies, societies and non-profits.
Career Resource Portal
In addition to the above, SMEs can take advantage of events and training courses offered by government partners such as WDA, MOM, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF).
These are accessible through the Career Resource (careerresource.sg) online portal, which give SME professionals, managers and executives, access to training materials, career-related information, as well as a platform to connect with others in their industry.
SMEs and looking to expand the business in 2015 should explore the various government grants and incentives while they are still available. and take advantage of a great opportunity to boost workforce standards, as well as the business’ productivity and innovation levels.