Ageing population drives demand for specialized skills in Care Economy

Community partnership and professional consultation skills are experiencing heightened demand.

Demand for specialised skills Singapore's Care Economy is rising as Singaporeans above 65 will make up 25% of the population by 2030, according to a report by SkillsFuture SG.

Key skills such as community partnership and professional consultation are experiencing heightened demand, particularly in roles like medical social workers, early intervention educators, and psychologists. These skills are essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring that care services are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of Singapore’s population.

The sector also relies heavily on volunteer support, particularly in social services such as befriending seniors and mentoring youths. This reliance has led to a surge in demand for skills in volunteer retention and engagement, as well as mentoring for youth, which are vital for sustaining the care environment.

As employers in the Care Economy seek to enhance service delivery, continuous improvement management has emerged as a crucial skill. It is increasingly required across various job roles, from frontline nurses and operations executives to facilities managers. This skill enables workers to identify and address issues, driving improvements in service quality.

Ethical and professional integrity continues to be a critical requirement, especially in roles that involve managing shared data and maintaining confidentiality, such as teacher aides, centre managers, and policy officers.