FUNDS FOR RETRAINING OF WORKERS

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Manpower, in view of the growing demand for social services during the economic downturn, whether the funds set aside for the retraining and upgrading of workers will be used (i) for individuals who are training for jobs in the social services; and (ii) for those who are now working in or retrenched from the manufacturing sector and who wish to switch to the social services sector.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Despite the economic downturn, social services remain one of few sectors still in need of workers. Health and social work, community, social and personal services contribute to around 7% of total employment. In the second quarter, this group saw an increase of 800 workers against an overall reduction of 5,800 jobs economy wide.

So far, through the Skills Redevelopment Programme, funding for training has been provided mainly in the manufacturing sector. The Ministry is also working closely with NTUC, SNEF and other agencies to identify training opportunities in other services sectors such as hotels and restaurants and IT. Similarly, funding would be extended to the social services sector where there is demand for workers with higher skills.

To date, we have, however, not seen a significant trend of retrenched workers opting to go into social services. There remain vacancies in manufacturing sector and other services sectors such as transport and communications, education and IT. The priority would be to train workers to fill these vacancies.

Furthermore, social work has not been popular with our workers due to the generally lower pay and uncertain career prospects. However, if the downturn worsens, social services would provide a good avenue to absorb surplus workers. More unemployed Singaporeans who lack skills for other jobs may have to consider social services jobs.

The Ministry will evaluate the possibility of encouraging workers to take up jobs in social services. We have started a process of identifying training providers in such areas, for example, in professional cleaning services. Courses in counselling services, community development and awareness, etc, are other possibilities. Proper training would help to enhance the image and professionalism of social workers, and give a boost to our people to take such jobs. Similar to manufacturing and services sectors, government funding could be provided for the drawing up of curriculum and certification programmes, as well as training under such courses.