How to Hire, Train & Upskill Employees? | SME Grants Singapore

e-Adviser for Skills Training is a valuable tool designed to help businesses identify and access the most relevant training opportunities available through SkillsFuture. This service provides tailored recommendations based on your company's specific needs and industry requirements, ensuring that you can align employee development with your strategic goals. By integrating with the broader SkillsFuture initiatives, the e-Adviser offers a streamlined approach to upskilling your workforce, enhancing their capabilities to meet evolving business demands. Utilise this tool to focus on targeted training, improve overall employee performance, and drive your business forward with informed, strategic decisions.

Key Features:

Personalised Recommendations: Offers tailored suggestions for skills training courses and SkillsFuture initiatives based on your business's needs.

Part of the SkillsFuture Movement: Integrates with broader SkillsFuture initiatives to provide a customised experience.

Benefits:

Targeted Training: Ensures that the recommended training aligns with your business’s goals and industry requirements.

Enhanced Upskilling: Provides a focused approach to employee development, enhancing their skills and capabilities.

Application Tips: Use the e-Adviser to assess your business’s training needs and receive personalised recommendations that can help you make informed decisions. Find Out More.

Absentee Payroll (AP) Funding is designed to alleviate the financial burden of sending employees for SkillsFuture-funded training courses. By covering a portion of the manpower costs, this funding allows businesses to invest in employee development without significantly impacting their budget. With an annual cap of up to $100,000 per organisation, AP Funding provides substantial financial relief, making it easier for companies to support their staff's growth and skill enhancement. This encourages more frequent and comprehensive training investments, ultimately fostering a more skilled and capable workforce. To maximise your support, ensure that the courses are SkillsFuture-funded and monitor the annual cap to optimise your funding benefits.

Key Features:

Cost Defrayment: Covers a portion of the manpower costs incurred when sending employees for SkillsFuture-funded training courses.

Annual Cap: Provides funding support up to $100,000 per organisation annually.

Benefits:

Financial Relief: Reduces the financial impact of training on your business. Encourages Training: Makes it more feasible for businesses to invest in employee development.

Application Tips: Ensure that the training courses are SkillsFuture-funded to qualify for AP Funding. Keep track of the annual cap to maximise your financial support. Find Out More.

Career Trial offers a valuable opportunity for companies to evaluate job seekers' suitability for specific roles through a short-term trial period. This initiative allows businesses to assess job fit and performance before making long-term hiring commitments, thereby reducing the risks associated with new hires. The government provides a training allowance to jobseekers during the trial, which can last up to 3 months, easing the financial burden on companies and making the trial period more feasible. This arrangement benefits both employers and jobseekers by offering a practical assessment of job compatibility and financial support for the trial. To make the most of this opportunity, clearly outline the roles and responsibilities for the trial period and use it to thoroughly evaluate candidates' skills and fit within your organisation.

Key Features:

Job Fit Assessment: Allows companies to evaluate job seekers' suitability for roles through a short-term trial period.

Government Training Allowance: Provides a training allowance to jobseekers during the trial period, which can last up to 3 months.

Benefits:

Reduced Hiring Risk: Helps companies assess job fit before committing to long-term employment.

Financial Support: Provides financial assistance to jobseekers, making the trial period more feasible for businesses.

Application Tips: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities for the trial period and use the opportunity to evaluate candidates’ skills and fit for the organisation. Find Out More.

Company-Led Training (CLT) Programme focuses on accelerating professional development through structured on-the-job training programs specifically designed for fresh to mid-level professionals. This initiative is tailored to address the growing demand for skills in high-priority sectors, particularly within the Digital Economy. By participating in the CLT Programme, businesses can significantly enhance their employees' competencies in areas crucial for industry growth, facilitating both skill development and professional advancement. This program not only supports career growth but also helps bridge skill gaps within your organisation. To leverage this opportunity effectively, design training programs that align with current industry demands and focus on cultivating skills essential for your company's future success.

Key Features:

On-the-Job Training: Accelerates professional development through structured on-the-job training programs for fresh to mid-level professionals.

Focus on In-Demand Skills: Targets skills required in high-demand sectors, particularly the Digital Economy.

Benefits:

Skill Development: Enhances employees’ competencies in areas crucial for industry growth. Professional Growth: Supports career development and helps bridge skill gaps in your organisation.

Application Tips: Design training programs that align with industry demands and focus on developing skills that are essential for your business’s growth. Find Out More.

Employment Support for Ex-Offenders offers vital industry skills training aimed at equipping ex-offenders with the necessary qualifications and experience to secure employment across various sectors. This initiative is designed to facilitate the successful reintegration of ex-offenders into the workforce, providing crucial support during their transition. By improving their employability with relevant skills training, the program enhances job prospects and helps overcome common employment barriers. To maximise the benefits, engage with training programs specifically tailored to the needs of ex-offenders, ensuring that the skills acquired are aligned with current industry demands and facilitate a smoother re-entry into the job market.

Key Features:

Industry Skills Training: Provides training to equip ex-offenders with skills needed for various industries.

Reintegration Support: Aims to facilitate the successful re-integration of ex-offenders into the workforce.

Benefits:

Enhanced Employability: Improves job prospects for ex-offenders by providing relevant industry skills.

Supportive Reintegration: Assists ex-offenders in overcoming employment barriers and successfully transitioning into the workforce.

Application Tips: Engage with programs that offer skills training tailored to the needs of ex-offenders to maximise their employability and successful reintegration. Find Out More.

Employment Support for Persons with Disabilities provides essential resources and financial assistance to promote the integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce. This program offers up to 90% subsidies for training courses curated by SG Enable, significantly reducing the cost of skill development. By facilitating inclusivity, it helps businesses create a diverse workforce while also supporting the professional growth of Persons with Disabilities. The program not only promotes a more inclusive work environment but also provides substantial cost savings on training. To make the most of this support, leverage the subsidies to enhance the skills of your employees and implement inclusive practices that foster a welcoming and productive workplace.

Key Features:

Course Fee Subsidies: Offers up to 90% subsidies for training courses curated by SG Enable.

Integration Support: Provides resources to help integrate Persons with Disabilities into the workforce.

Benefits:

Diverse Workforce: Promotes inclusivity by supporting the employment of Persons with Disabilities.

Cost Savings: Reduces training costs and supports the development of a diverse team.

Application Tips: Utilise the subsidies to enhance the skills of Persons with Disabilities and develop inclusive workplace practices. Find Out More.

Enabling Employment Credit is designed to support employers who hire Persons with Disabilities by offering wage offsets without the need for a formal application. This program automatically provides financial assistance to eligible employers, helping to reduce the cost of employing individuals with disabilities. By lowering financial barriers, it encourages businesses to adopt more inclusive hiring practices. This credit not only makes it economically feasible to hire Persons with Disabilities but also promotes a diverse and supportive work environment. To maximise the benefits of the Enabling Employment Credit, ensure your hiring practices meet the program’s criteria, allowing you to receive wage offsets and contribute to a more inclusive workforce.

Key Features:

Wage Offsets: Provides wage offsets to employers hiring Persons with Disabilities, with no application required.

Automatic Eligibility: Employers who meet the criteria automatically receive support.

Benefits:

Financial Relief: Reduces the cost of hiring Persons with Disabilities, making it more economically feasible.

Supports Inclusivity: Encourages the hiring of Persons with Disabilities by providing financial incentives.

Application Tips: Ensure your hiring practices align with the criteria for receiving wage offsets to benefit from the Enabling Employment Credit. Find Out More.

Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS) is designed to alleviate the financial burden of employee training by offering substantial subsidies for selected SkillsFuture-supported courses. This program provides up to 90% in course fee subsidies for training that is sponsored by employers, making it a cost-effective solution for skill development within SMEs. Notably, SMEs automatically receive this support based on government data, eliminating the need for a separate application process. This streamlined approach ensures that businesses can quickly and easily access financial assistance for employee training. To benefit from ETSS, simply engage in eligible training programs and utilise the automatic support to enhance your workforce's skills efficiently. Key Features: Course Fee Subsidies: Provides up to 90% subsidy for employer-sponsored training under selected SkillsFuture-supported courses. Automatic Eligibility: SMEs receive support automatically based on government data, with no application required. Benefits: Cost-Effective Training: Significantly reduces the financial burden of employee training for SMEs. Easy Access: Streamlined process for accessing training subsidies without additional paperwork. Application Tips: Take advantage of the automatic support to enhance your employees’ skills through eligible training programs. Find Out More.

Part-Time Re-employment Grant (PTRG) aims to support companies in offering part-time job opportunities to eligible seniors, fostering their continued participation in the workforce. This grant provides financial assistance to businesses that voluntarily commit to re-employing seniors on a part-time basis, addressing the growing need for flexible work arrangements as employees age. By facilitating extended employment, the PTRG helps accommodate the preferences and capabilities of older workers, while also offering financial incentives to offset the costs associated with part-time positions. To maximise the benefits of the grant, tailor part-time roles to align with the skills and interests of senior employees, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Key Features:

Funding Support: Provides financial assistance to companies that offer part-time re-employment to eligible seniors.

Voluntary Commitment: Encourages businesses to provide part-time opportunities for seniors who request them.

Benefits:

Supports Older Workers: Facilitates extended employment for seniors, accommodating their needs and preferences.

Financial Incentives: Provides funding to offset the costs of part-time employment.

Application Tips: Offer part-time roles that align with seniors’ skills and preferences to make the most of the funding support. Find Out More.

Progressive Wage Credit Scheme is designed to assist businesses in managing the financial impact of wage increases for lower-wage workers as part of the Progressive Wage framework. The scheme offers co-funding for wage adjustments, providing transitional support from 2022 to 2026. This financial assistance helps ease the burden of implementing wage increases required by Progressive Wage moves, making it easier for businesses to comply with evolving wage policies. To benefit from this scheme, plan your wage adjustments in alignment with Progressive Wage requirements and leverage the co-funding to manage associated costs effectively. This support is crucial for maintaining a fair wage structure while ensuring financial stability during the transition period.

Key Features:

Wage Co-Funding: Co-funds wage increases for lower-wage workers as part of Progressive Wage moves.

Transitional Support: Provides support from 2022 to 2026 to help businesses manage wage adjustments.

Benefits:

Financial Assistance: Eases the financial impact of wage increases for lower-wage workers. Supports Wage Progression: Helps businesses comply with Progressive Wage requirements.

Application Tips: Plan wage adjustments in line with the Progressive Wage moves and take advantage of the co-funding support to manage costs. Find Out More.

Senior Employment Credit offers financial incentives to employers who hire workers aged 55 and above by providing wage offsets without the need for a formal application. This automatic support is based on the workforce composition and is designed to reduce the costs associated with employing older workers. By lowering these costs, the credit encourages businesses to retain and hire experienced seniors, promoting a more inclusive workforce. To maximise benefits, ensure that your hiring practices actively include older workers and take advantage of the wage offsets available through the Senior Employment Credit. This support not only aids in managing employment costs but also values the contributions of seasoned professionals in your organisation.

Key Features:

Wage Offsets: Provides wage offsets to employers hiring workers aged 55 and above, with no application required.

Automatic Eligibility: Available to eligible employers based on their workforce composition.

Benefits:

Cost Reduction: Reduces the cost of employing older workers, making it more affordable. Encourages Employment: Supports the retention and employment of experienced seniors.

Application Tips: Ensure your hiring practices include older workers to benefit from the wage offsets provided by the Senior Employment Credit. Find Out More.

SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes (WSPs) provide a strategic opportunity for businesses to develop and integrate fresh talent through collaborative educational initiatives. These programmes, crafted in partnership with Institutes of Higher Learning and private providers, span various educational levels, from Certificates to Degrees. By participating in WSPs, companies can benefit from a structured work-study arrangement that aligns academic learning with practical industry experience. This collaboration not only helps in cultivating skilled professionals tailored to your business needs but also fosters strong ties with educational institutions. To leverage these programmes effectively, work closely with educational partners to tailor work-study opportunities that meet your specific industry demands and organisational goals.

Key Features:

Collaborative Programmes: Designed jointly with Institutes of Higher Learning and private providers, covering various educational levels.

Work-Study Opportunities: Includes Certificate, Diploma, Post-Diploma, and Degree levels.

Benefits:

Talent Development: Helps groom and hire fresh talent through structured work-study opportunities.

Educational Collaboration: Leverages partnerships with educational institutions to provide relevant training.

Application Tips: Collaborate with educational institutions to design work-study programs that align with your business’s needs and industry requirements. Find Out More.

Uplifting Employment Credit is designed to support the hiring of ex-offenders by offering financial assistance through wage offsets, with no application necessary. This initiative aids in the smooth reintegration of ex-offenders into the workforce by alleviating some of the associated costs for employers. The credit not only provides significant financial relief, making the hiring of ex-offenders more economically viable, but also plays a crucial role in supporting their successful re-entry into the job market. To maximise the benefits of the Uplifting Employment Credit, integrate inclusive hiring practices that prioritise opportunities for ex-offenders, ensuring that your organisation can take full advantage of the financial support available.

Key Features:

Wage Offsets: Offers financial support for hiring ex-offenders, with no application required. Reintegration Support: Aids the transition of ex-offenders into the workforce by providing wage offsets.

Benefits:

Financial Relief: Reduces the cost of hiring ex-offenders, making it more feasible.

Supports Reintegration: Facilitates successful workforce reintegration and provides employment opportunities.

Application Tips: Incorporate hiring practices that include ex-offenders to benefit from the wage offsets provided by the Uplifting Employment Credit. Find Out More.