Data on Mid-careerists Transitioning to Care Economy and Job Retention Rates and Challenges

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how many mid-career Singaporeans have transitioned into the care economy under existing re-skilling initiatives run by Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore; (b) what is the median retention period after placement; and (c) what are the main challenges in sustaining such career transitions.

The Government supports career transitions into the care economy through Workforce Singapore's Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs) and SkillsFuture Singapore's SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes (SCTPs).

From 2022 to 2024, around 1,600 individuals have transitioned into the care economy through CCPs in roles such as preschool educators, infant and early years educators, social workers, allied health professionals, speech therapist and nurses. Of the CCP participants who completed training, over 80% have remained employed within the same sector 24 months after being hired.

From 2022 to 2024, there were close to 40 SCTPs offered to support transitions into the care economy, including SCTPs for early childhood teachers and healthcare assistants. More than 1,700 individuals have completed these SCTPs, with over three in four trainees placed into the sectors that they have been trained for.

There remain challenges in making such careers attractive to mid-careerists and helping them adapt to their new role. To raise the attractiveness of such careers, sector agencies have established clear and structured career development pathways, as set out in the Skills Frameworks for Social Service, Healthcare and Early Childhood sectors. Sector agencies regularly review salary structures, enhance staff welfare and work on initiatives to improve productivity. To support the transition into the care economy, there are opportunities for exposure to the care sector through outreach and mentorship programmes. Workforce Singapore also works closely with sector agencies through initiatives, such as course previews and facilitating learning visits, to provide first-hand insights into these job roles, and engaging Volunteer Career Advisors to guide applicants in navigating their career transitions.