Singapore: SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme

Singapore's recent initiative, the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, is designed to significantly bolster the career longevity and adaptability of mid-career professionals aged 40 and above.
It took effect on 1 May 2024 and aims to address the dynamic needs of an ageing workforce and the demands of an evolving economy through substantial reskilling and upskilling opportunities.
The programme is open to all Singaporean citizens aged 40 and above, regardless of their employment status.

Key components of the Programme can be summarised as follows:

Financial Incentives:
- With no expiry, a $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up is provided to every Singaporean when they turn 40 to encourage continuous learning. This can apply to approximately 7,000 selected courses that offer strong employability outcomes.
Educational Opportunities:
- Support is extended for pursuing additional subsidised full-time diplomas, especially in high-demand sectors, ensuring that mid-career professionals remain competitive and relevant.
Training Allowance:
- To mitigate income loss during training, a new Mid-Career Training Allowance offers financial support equivalent to 50 per cent of the average income over the past 12 months, capped at $3,000 per month.

While Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) applauds the government's proactive approach, it also suggests several enhancements to optimise the programme's success:

Flexible Learning and Work Arrangements:
- SNEF proposes introducing part-time educational pathways that allow simultaneous part-time employment, reduce the strain on the labour market, and address individual concerns about career gaps.
Robust On-the-Job Training:
- Emphasising the need for structured on-the-job training, SNEF encourages employers to design custom training modules directly applicable to current job roles. This enhances skill relevance and aligns closely with business productivity goals.
Industry-Specific Training Incentives:
- To ensure that training translates into real career opportunities, SNEF suggests linking educational programmes with industry-specific needs and providing practical experiences through internships and projects within the curriculum.

Employers and policymakers are encouraged to actively engage in the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme by integrating training with everyday business operations and supporting employees through tailored skill development initiatives, providing a more comprehensive, flexible, and practical framework for lifelong learning.