The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), in collaboration with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), is launching the Skills Redevelopment Programme for Infocomm or SRP(Infocomm). This programme, which aims to equip workers with infocomm skills that are recognised...
Singapore, 3 August 2000 | For Immediate ReleaseThe National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), in collaboration with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), is launching the Skills Redevelopment Programme for Infocomm or SRP(Infocomm). This programme, which aims to equip workers with infocomm skills that are recognised industry-wide, is a component of the manpower development initiatives in IDA's Infocomm 21 blueprint.
"In the knowledge-based economy, it is important to equip the workforce with the essential infocomm skills for enhanced productivity and increased competitiveness of the organisations," said Mr Heng Chee How, Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC. This is in line with IDA's manpower development strategy to nurture an infocomm-savvy workforce so as to help them remain relevant in the New economy.
The SRP(Infocomm) is company-based. Companies can sponsor their employees for infocomm training courses which are supported under the Skills Redevelopment Programme (SRP), and are eligible for SRP funding. Under SRP(Infocomm), the training programmes will provide formal industry-recognised certifications. The application of infocomm skills is prevalent in all professions. Hence, this programme will be applicable to all organisations across the different industries.
The IDA, through industry feedback and survey findings, has identified nine critical infocomm skills which the workforce should be equipped with for the New economy. These include: computer basic, office automation, workgroup computing, using Internet/e-commerce transactions, Internet webpage design, e-commerce development, multimedia, networking support and programming.
"We are targeting for 35% of the workforce to be infocomm-savvy by year 2003. To contribute towards our target, we hope that SRP(Infocomm) can equip 20,000 of the workforce with the critical skills within that same timeframe," said Dr Kaizad Heerjee, Assistant Chief Executive (Online Development), IDA.
The SRP funding is provided in 2 components: course fees and absentee payroll support. Under SRP, the Government, through the Ministry of Manpower, has pledged a total of $100 million for absentee payroll funding. Through the Productivity and Standards Board, the Skills Development Fund or SDF has allocated $50 million for course fees support. Organisations sponsoring employees who are Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Residents for training courses approved under SRP will be eligible for the following funding incentives:
- Standard Funding: It funds 80% of course fees (subject to a maximum of $8 per trainee hour) and 70% of absentee payroll (subject to a maximum of $5.10 per trainee hour) from the Government.
- Enhanced Funding: This scheme is for older trainees who are 40 years and above), possessing qualifications 'A' levels and below, where training is conducted during working hours. SRP funds 100% of course fees, and up to 85% of absentee payroll (subject to a maximum of $6.20 per trainee hour).
Interested employers can obtain more details on the SRP(Infocomm) from the NTUC website at www.ntuclearninghub.com.
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg.
About NTUC
Since the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) was set up in 1961, we have kept faith with the basic aim of trade unionism: looking after the interests of workers. We in the NTUC realise that we can help workers get jobs and better pay only if we make it possible for the economy to grow. That is why we work closely with the Government and business in a tripartite partnership.
Ours is a value-adding labour movement. We add value to workers by protecting their interests and providing them with many benefits. We add value to business by fostering industrial harmony and encouraging workers to upgrade their skills and become more productive. We add value too society by stabilising prices through our network of cooperatives and by making available quality social and recreational facilities to Singaporeans at prices they can afford.
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms CHIA Sher Ling
Manager, Corporate Communications
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: 6211-1840
Fax: 6211-2227
Email: chia_sher_ling@imda.gov.sg
Ms KHOO Woon Kung
Corporate Communications Officer
National Trades Union Congress
Tel: 6429 0413
Fax: 6324 0564
Email: khoowk@ntucworld.org.sg
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