Lack of skills, experience preventing Singaporeans from being hired, says MOM

A shortage of technical skills and relevant experience in Singapore's core workforce is holding back foreign chambers of commerce from employing them, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

MOM was responding to an inquiry in Parliament about the gaps in Singapore's core workforce as identified by foreign chambers of commerce.

"Feedback from foreign chambers of commerce often [highlights] a shortage of technical skills, particularly in information technology (IT), as well as relevant experience, including overseas experience, as some of the obstacles in hiring locals for certain jobs," MOM said in a statement.

This is also reflected in the Job Vacancies Report 2023, according to MOM, which found that over 40% of PMET vacancies were unfilled for at least six months due to a lack of necessary specialised skills or work experience.

"These challenges are driven by rapid technological advancements and other developments, which lead to jobs transforming and requiring new skills," the ministry said.

Addressing the skills, experience problem

To address the skills issue, MOM said it is supporting Singaporeans to acquire emerging skills by investing heavily in upskilling programmes, such as Workforce Singapore's (WSG) Career Conversion Programmes and SkillsFuture Singapore's SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme.

"The government will provide jobs and skills insights to empower Singaporeans to take charge of their careers and plan ahead, through the 17 Jobs Transformation Maps that provide job-level insights on emerging skills, and the CareersFinder digital service that provides personalised, data-driven jobs and skills recommendations," it added.

To give employees overseas experience, MOM said the Economic Development Board's Global Business Leaders Programme supports employers sending their staff with leadership potential on overseas postings.

"WSG will launch the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme for local employees with limited overseas experience, providing valuable on-the-job training abroad," it added.