SSG-backed programmes draw 520,000 participants in 2023

Of those, 200,000 were mid-career workers.

Only 520,000 individuals actively participated in various training initiatives through SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) in 2023.

Of the overall number, around 200,000 were mid-career workers benefiting from the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidies, a 28% increase from the previous year.

“SSG expects the annual participation of individuals to remain in the region of around 500,000, or about a fifth of the workforce, as we continue to make training accessible for Singaporeans, whilst curating the inventory of courses for quality and industry relevance,” SSG said in a statement.

In 2022, the agency said 560,000 individuals engaged in SSG-supported programmes.

Additionally, approximately 192,000 Singaporeans utilised their SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) for various courses, with the majority opting for SSG-supported or industry-specific training. 

Around 23,000 enterprises also sponsored approximately 228,000 workers for SSG-supported training in 2023, an increase from the previous year. 

At least 97% of sponsoring enterprises were small and medium-sized enterprises, demonstrating the crucial role of government support in assisting smaller businesses with workforce development.

ALSO READ: Singapore workforce among top performers in organisational health in APAC: survey

SSG expanded programs aligned with industry needs, including the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme and SkillsFuture Series courses, aimed at facilitating career transitions and enhancing workforce capabilities.

Moreover, 98% reported improved performance at work and 93% acknowledged its role in career advancement. 

Looking ahead, SSG is committed to further enhancing training quality and relevance based on learner feedback and industry insights.

 “It is encouraging that more employers are sponsoring more workers for SSG-supported courses,” said Tan Kok Yam, chief executive of SSG.

“With the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme coming into effect, we need to continue to work together to give Singaporeans the training, that is of high quality, of high relevance, and of high impact to their career and their ability to contribute as an employee,” he added.