Full-time Platform Workers' Take-up of Career Conversion Programmes
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the participation of full-time platform workers in Career Conversion Programmes (CCP) and the potential for flexible training arrangements to accommodate their irregular work schedules. Ms Joan Pereira inquired about the take-up rate of these programmes and whether more places in Place and Train schemes could be made available. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry does not track specific participation rates for platform workers and noted that CCPs require full-time commitment to a new employer or attachment. He explained that flexibility is subject to employer agreement, while workers wishing to continue platform work can utilize part-time SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes. Workforce Singapore currently offers nearly 100 CCPs across 30 sectors and continuously refreshes these programmes to meet the evolving manpower needs of the economy.
Transcript
40 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Manpower (a) over the last two years, what has been the take-up rate of Career Conversion Programmes (CCP) amongst full-time platform workers; (b) considering the irregular work schedule of platform workers, whether more flexible arrangements, such as timetabling and mode of learning, can be catered for those enrolled in the CCP; and (c) whether more places in the Place and Train programmes may be availed to platform workers.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Ministry of Manpower does not track the participation rate of platform workers in Career Conversion Programmes (CCP).
CCPs are full-time place-and-train or attach-and-train programmes that help jobseekers to make a career switch. This means that the jobseeker is placed on a full-time employment contract or attachment with the new employer and then put through a period of training to equip him or her for the new job. Upon successfully enrolling for a CCP, participants will need to commit to a dedicated period of training on the job or by external training providers. Provisions for flexible arrangements are subject to the agreement between the CCP employer and participant. For CCP participants seeking to undertake platform work concurrently, employers will have to assess whether there are flexible arrangements that can meet their business needs as well as participants' needs.
Platform workers who want to continue with platform work but are interested to pick up new skills can tap on SkillsFuture training programmes, many of which are offered in part-time modality. These include the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme, which has both part-time and full-time options to cater to adult learners of different profiles.
Workforce Singapore (WSG) works closely with sector agencies and industry to refresh existing CCPs and introduce new CCPs based on the manpower needs of our economy. Presently, WSG offers close to 100 CCPs across around 30 sectors. Platform workers and any local jobseekers who are looking for a career switch can find more information and apply for CCPs on WSG's CCP portal.