Skills Training for Excellence Programme

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Manpower how many Professionals, Managers and Executives have upgraded their professional skills since the inception of the Skills Training for Excellence Programme (STEP) and how many have had better prospects and salary increases after completion of the training programme.

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam: As part of our national productivity and continuous education and training (CET) efforts, the Skills Training for Excellence Programme (STEP) was introduced in March 2011 to help our Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) update their skills, knowledge and expertise. STEP brings together a suite of programmes ranging from modular workshops and courses, full qualification programmes, to master-classes and scholarships, catering to the diverse needs of PMETs and employers. More than 400 courses are currently available and over 40,000 PMETs have undergone the various programmes under STEP so far.

In addition, 340 STEP scholarships 1 for Singaporeans valued at approximately $12 million have been set aside for nine sectors, including Aerospace, Construction, Healthcare, Retail, Tourism and Built-Environment. Other upcoming STEP scholarships will cover areas such as Manufacturing and Marine Engineering. STEP scholarships range from diplomas and post-graduate diplomas to Masters degree programmes.

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As the more substantial programmes under STEP require a longer time to complete, their effect on employment outcomes would not be immediately apparent. Nevertheless, we are tracking the outcome of STEP and strongly urge individuals to continue to upgrade themselves in order to ensure that their skills remain relevant.

Moving forward, WDA will also be embarking on a series of public consultation exercises with PMETs to better understand their needs in CET, as well as the challenges they face in seeking upgrading and employment opportunities.