SPRING commits S$45m to mentor SME workforce
Minister S Iswaran. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — Enterprise development agency SPRING Singapore today (Dec 4) launched a S$45 million mentorship programme to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) train their workforce, strengthen their learning and development capabilities, and build their branding as employers of choice.
The SkillsFuture Mentors Programme will kick off with a pilot pool of 18 mentors to help SMEs foster a better learning environment to support their participation in SkillsFuture initiatives such as the Earn and Learn Programme and the SkillsFuture Enhanced Internships.
SPRING aims to build up a pool of 400 mentors to support 2,000 SMEs over the next three years, and will provide 100 per cent funding support to the SMEs for the first three years. About 16 SMEs have signed up.
“We know that the nature of jobs is changing profoundly, as technology and automation play an increasing role in driving innovation and operations,” said Minister for Trade and Industry S Iswaran at the launch. “Consequently, the skillsets of our workforce will have to be updated in order to stay relevant to the needs of the market. Some jobs will be transformed, others will be created, and yet others will become obsolete.”
Singapore, he added, must prepare to face the challenges of technological changes, disruptive business models and the emergence of new sectors and markets. This is crucial given the challenging economic environment and moderating global expansion, as well as the domestic concerns of ageing population and slowing workforce growth.
SkillsFuture was announced last year as a national movement to help Singaporeans develop skills to achieve their fullest potential through life. It aims to provide the workforce to drive the Republic’s next phase of development towards an advanced economy and inclusive society.
Ms Chew Mok Lee, assistant chief executive of SPRING Singapore, said: “Many SMEs face talent attraction and retention challenges due to a lack of experience and resources to put in place robust training plans and career progression pathways for employees. The SkillsFuture Mentors will help SMEs enhance their learning and development practices to build a quality workforce that supports business growth.”
The mentors will be matched to eligible SMEs over a nine-month period to help them enhance their systems and processes for learning and development. The mentors will also provide guidance and coaching to the SMEs’ supervisors and managers to improve their training delivery to the trainees.
“We aim to first identify their specific problems and customise training to help them achieve sustainable growth, further leading them to the road to success,” said Ms Peggy Leong Yeo, one of the mentors, who is a business advisor with SPRING and a freelance consultant and trainer. “Many SMEs are facing the business transformation challenge besides being resource-constrained.”
SPRING Singapore said the mentors have deep management and industry experience, and expertise in learning and development. The first batch of mentors, selected by a panel comprising representatives from SPRING Singapore, institutes of higher learning and the industry, have completed an orientation programme designed by Republic Polytechnic in effective coaching and mentoring skills to complement their technical knowledge. The mentors, SPRING said, will continuously upgrade their skills through peer-learning platforms.
“Through such close partnership, our students and graduates can deepen skills and develop promising careers with SMEs. This programme will strengthen the learning and development capabilities of SMEs, allowing them to stay competitive,” said Mr Yeo Li Pheow, principal and CEO of Republic Polytechnic.
