According to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), more than 200,000 workers have received skills training since 2019 through Company Training Committees (CTCs). Employers and unions build CTCs to identify the skills workers need based on business and industry prospects guided by the National Trades Union Congress.
In their annual May Day message, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and NTUC President K. Thanaletchimi said that CTCs have promoted career advancement and resilience, especially in the face of technological advancements transforming industries and employment.
Ng Chee Meng said, “This shift has undoubtedly impacted our jobs and workplaces, requiring staff to upskill themselves to perform these tasks.”
Despite these challenges, workers in Singapore also face pressures like high prices and inflation, along with the need for upskilling. “There has been a noticeable increase in retrenchments since last year, and we anticipate further cost-related and structural organisational changes this year,” said the leaders.
NTUC assured workers of their support and commitment to empowering them. CTC helps businesses transform by investing in a skilled workforce and creating higher-value jobs. “We urge more employers to join us in this transformative journey, where innovation leads to higher productivity and improved wage outcomes,” they said.
To support professionals, managers, and executives, they provide programs to help them navigate their career paths, enhance their skills, and adapt to new jobs. NTUC will also push wages for lower- and middle-wage workers and support platform workers, youth, women, and other worker groups.
SNEF President Robert Yap said that it is essential to adapt to the changing skill needs of the workforce, especially with Singapore’s retirement age set to rise to 65 by 2030. They will also enhance partnerships between schools and industry to bridge the gap between education and industry requirements.
Dr. Yap mentioned structured career planning for mid-career workers is also crucial in encouraging employers to identify skill gaps and provide relevant training. Therefore, fostering life-long learning in workplaces is essential.
