Singapore employees who complete WDA training see wages rise

Those with WSQ saw wages rise 5.3 % over those with none.

An independent Longitudinal Study initiated by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) in 2012 found that individuals who achieved (SOAs) received higher wages compared to those without SOAs. 

In addition, individuals who attained full Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) experienced higher wages compared to those with SOAs only. The new study complemented surveys conducted by WDA in 2012, which revealed that more companies and employees had experienced positive WSQ training outcomes.

The Outcomes Evaluation Survey 2012 (OES 2012) showed that more companies reported positive training outcomes for their WSQ-trained employees, while the Awareness and Adoption Survey 2012 (AAS 2012) also unveiled greater WSQ awareness and adoption among companies in 2012.

An independent Longitudinal Study was initiated to analyse the impact of WSQ training on wages. The study found that individuals who went through WSQ training received higher wages compared to workers of a similar profile (such as age and highest qualifications attained) but without WSQ training.

The Longitudinal Study showed that WSQ had a positive wage impact in 2009 and 2010, where trainees with at least one SOA experienced higher wages of 1.3 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively, compared to those without SOAs. 

In addition, trainees with full WSQ qualifications had higher wages of 5.3 per cent in 2009 compared to those with SOAs but without full qualifications.

The returns were more significant for lower-wage workers who went through WSQ training. From 2008 to 2010, lower-wage workers with SOAs experienced higher wages of between 2.6% and 4.6% compared to those without SOAs. In addition lower-wage workers with full qualifications had higher wages of 7.6% compared to those with SOAs but without full qualifications.