SINGAPORE: The Government should regularly review the reasons workers choose not to upgrade their skills, said Opposition MP Pritam Singh in Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 4).
Mr Singh questioned if SkillsFuture Credit – where Singaporeans aged 25 and above will receive an initial credit of S$500 for work skills-related courses in the first quarter of next year – is enough of an incentive to motivate Singaporeans to upgrade themselves.
Citing a United Kingdom report as an example, Mr Singh said it found that the lack of funding was not a reason for workers choosing not to upgrade themselves. Instead, high course fees, lack of childcare support and transport were some of the potential issues.
“In response, the UK government has sought to provide some basic courses for free, in addition to extending study loans repayable only after a worker exceeded a certain salary,’ Mr Singh said.
“It has also made an allowance for a support fund to provide assistance for costs such as childcare, transport, books, equipment that can mitigate the impact of financial problems workers face as they upgrade their skills.”
He suggested that career counsellors in schools work together with parents to identify the strengths and interests of students. Parents should also play their part in motivating children to aim for excellence, regardless of the paths they choose, he added.
news source & image credits: channelnewsasia.com
