Debated in Parliament on 4 Aug 2026.
Dr Hamid Razak asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry tracks the incidence of wage regression among mid-career Singaporeans who, after completing Government-supported upskilling programmes, move into lower-paying or entry-level roles; and (b) whether there are plans to strengthen job matching and recognition of prior experience for such workers.
We regularly review employment facilitation programmes funded by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA). Wage outcomes are included in such reviews where relevant to the programme objective.
For example, the Career Conversion Programme (CCP) and the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) have shown positive outcomes. About nine in 10 CCP participants stayed employed for at least 24 months after the programme, and about seven in 10 CCP participants earned more than their last drawn salaries. About one in two SCTP trainees found new roles or employment within six months of course completion. The intent of these programmes is to support mid-career individuals to reskill into growth roles. While some may experience initial wage reductions when entering a new field, over the longer term, they may enjoy better career and wage prospects depending on their performance.
The Ministry of Manpower and SWDA work closely with employers to ensure that the skills content of these programmes is aligned with what industry needs. For example, the CCP is designed as a place-and-train programme where employers hire participants before training begins thereby ensuring post-programme employment. For SCTP, which are train-and-place programmes, SWDA supports participants to navigate career transitions. SWDA monitors placement rates to inform decisions on continued programme funding.
Beyond these programmes, SWDA's Careers and Skills Passport supports recognition of skills and prior experience by enabling individuals to share their verified employment history and skills with hirers through partner job portals, such as JobStreet. With the formation of SWDA, the link between upskilling and employment outcomes will be further strengthened.
PAPERCUTS