10 most in-demand jobs in Singapore revealed

Office support, supervisors topped 2013 survey.

Manpower Singapore has released the results of 8th Talent Shortage Survey, which found that as the global talent shortage continues to intensify, 47% of employers in Singapore are experiencing difficulty finding staff with the right skills.

Global results of ManpowerGroup’s Talent Shortage Survey reveal 35% of employers worldwide are reporting shortages, the highest level since prior to the global economic crisis. Employers in Singapore are having the most difficulty filling jobs in Office support, Supervisors and Labourers this year in comparison to 2012’s jobs in Production Operations, Accounting & Finance and Engineers.

Here are the most in demand jobs in Singapore this year:

1. Secretaries, Pas, Administrative Assistants & Office Support
2. Supervisors
3. Labourers
4. Drivers
5. Sales Representatives
6. Engineers
7. IT Staff
8. Skilled Trades
9. Accounting & Finance
10. Teachers

"Over time as the education and skill profile of the local workforce improve. HRs will need to consider a successful workforce strategy that will identify and solve current talent acquisition challenges, anticipate future challenges and put in place solutions to address them effectively," said Manpower.

"54% of Singaporean employers surveyed have indicated they will relook into their work models while 41% will increase their focus on improving their talent pipeline such as building a succession management approach," it added.

Manpower said that a closer look at the global survey results reveals the talent shortage is endemic across the world – but most acute in Japan (85 percent of employers), Brazil (68 percent) India (61 percent), Turkey (58 percent) and Hong Kong (58 percent). Employers in Ireland (three percent), Spain (three percent), South Africa (six percent), the Netherlands (nine percent) and Czech Republic (nine percent) are the least likely to face shortages.

The research shows that globally the roles most difficult to fill are Skilled Trades Workers, Engineers and Sales Representatives – unchanged from last year.

"Employers are reporting Accounting and Finance and Management/Executive positions are also increasingly hard to fill. Despite acknowledging the impact talent shortages have on their business, a staggering 22 percent of employers are not changing course to identify new ways to address these shortages." said Manpower.