SINGAPORE — With courses costing up to thousands of dollars that might put workers off skills upgrading, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) is now trying to plug this gap through the SkillsFuture study awards.

First announced in Budget this year, applications for the bond-free awards — which is worth S$5,000 each — opened today (Oct 20), and are open to employees across eight sectors: Building and Construction, Air Transport, International Business, Maritime, Financial Services, Social Services, Food Services and Retail.

Applicants must be Singaporeans with at least three years of working experience in the sector. Eventually, the WDA will give out up to 2,000 awards every year, in more sectors.

In response to media queries, the WDA said the eight sectors chosen for the first phase of the SkillsFuture study awards are “future economic growth sectors or areas of demands”. The WDA did not say what other sectors will join the list, but added the next rollout is likely to take place in six months.

While courses for adult learners can easily run into the five figures, the WDA, when queried, pointed out that the study awards can be used on top of existing subsidies. For example, WDA-funded courses are subsidised up to 95 per cent while the SkillsFuture Credit — slated to kick in next year — will further provide financial help for Singaporeans keen to deepen their skills.

Employers TODAY interviewed acknowledged that the S$5,000 might only defray a small portion of the course fees, but felt it is still a good start in motivating workers to go for further training.

Mr Tan Boon Lock, assistant vice president of operations at Suki Group of Restaurants, noted his staff have mainly risen through the ranks, and need training in food and beverage management to manage staff and oversee productivity measures. “But not all the staff are well-off and might not go for training even if they want to upgrade,” he said.

The S$5,000 is a “good start”, but ought to be reviewed as course fees increase, he added.

Apex Ship Management chief executive Philip Tay said the study awards could help to alleviate manpower shortage in the maritime industry. “With the incentive, people could be prompted to come forward and take the courses to join the maritime sector…this will also make the sector less dependent on foreigners in future,” he added.

Building and Construction Authority Group Director (Manpower Strategy and Planning Group), Neo Choon Keong pointed out that the building and construction sector is evolving into a technology advanced environment. The SkillsFuture Study Awards can help individual develop capabilities in sustainability and complex engineering, among other skills, he said.