Authorities roll out new manpower schemes to train maritime workers

Over 5,000 individuals will benefit.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will inject $12 million over two years to attract, develop, and retain local talent in the maritime sector.

Two new programs will be rolled out. The Maritime Career Conversion Scheme (MCCS) will co-fund fresh graduates and mid-career entrants with no maritime background to undergo a structured training programme, while the Internship Reimbursement Scheme (IRS) will co-fund 50 per cent of internship allowance, capped at $400 a month per student, to encourage maritime companies to provide Singaporean students with internship opportunities.

The MPA said that some 5,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the two new manpower scgemes.

Meanwhile, the authority will also enhance co-funding under the Maritime Cluster Fund for Manpower Development (MCF-MD), which supports maritime companies in the development of manpower, training initiatives, and capabilities.

The MPA will raise the co-funding to as much as 90 per cent for selected short courses and certifiable courses in order to encourage maritime businesses to continue to upskill their employees.

Separately, the MPA also reveald that the Maritime Innovation & Technology (MINT) Fund will be topped up by $50 million and extended to 2021.