SMEs hunger for rank-and-file workers

University grads are the least in-demand among SMEs.

Singapore is awash with degree holders, but the country's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not looking for graduates: they're looking for rank-and-file workers who can fill positions at the lower end of career ladder.

Such workers are hard to come by in Singapore's tight labour market. The latest SME Survey conducted by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) showed that a whopping 88.9% of firms are looking for rank-and-file workers, while only 69.4% and 62.9%, are looking for ITE and Poly grads and university graduates, respectively.

Almost half SMEs are offering better pay and benefits in order to attract and retain elusive rank-and-file workers.

Other tactics to attract these workers include improving the working environment, offering flexible working hours, enhancing the use of technology, and re-designing jobs to make them more attractive.