The new framework aims to fill the skills gap and manpower shortage by offering training subsidies and wage support
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) launched the Skills Framework for Hotel and Accommodation Services (HAS) last Friday.
It is the first skills framework to be launched under the government’s SkillsFuture initiative.
Employers were encouraged to take part in the programme by specifying the skills needed in the service sector and investing in training for their employees under the HAS.
Training providers, meanwhile, can use the framework to keep track of trends in the industry and can tailor learning and development programmes to what is needed in the market, said the report by Channel News Asia.
“The framework will guide individuals who wish to join or progress within the hotel industry, assess career interest, identify training programmes to upgrade their skills and prepare for desired jobs. Wage information is also available, so individuals know how much they could expect to earn under various job roles,” claimed the report.
Professional Conversion programme
The WDA also launched on Friday the Professional Conversion programme for the services industry.
Companies participating in the programme will receive training subsidies as well as 70% wage support during the employee’s training period.
Describing it as a ‘place-and-train’ programme, the professional conversion programme is meant to help mid-career Singaporeans join the services industry in various sales, project management, and administrative roles via classroom sessions and on-the-job training.
“One key challenge faced by the industry is the shortage of manpower. With more hotels opening in the coming years the manpower situation will only get tighter. In the face of keener competition and to overcome the shortage of manpower, the industry is transforming and reinventing itself to be more productive, innovative and manpower-lean,” said Minister of Manpower Lim Swee Say
