Google, Economic Development Board (EDB), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) announced Skills Ignition SG – A Grow With Google Program in support of the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package. A new jobs and skills training initiative for 3,000 local entry-level and mid-career jobseekers, this is aimed at boosting their employment and employability outcomes, and providing vital industry experience amid a challenging labour market. This latest initiative is also aligned with the efforts of the National Jobs Council which will provide jobs and training opportunities in various sectors and cater to every skill level.
Based on Google’s tried and tested curricula, Skills Ignition SG offers two programmes, one focusing on providing on-the-job training opportunities and another focusing on skills upgrading in areas of Digital Marketing and Cloud Technology, supported by IMDA and SSG respectively:
a. A nine-month place and train programme for up to 600 applicants, where participants will do three months of online vocational training before moving on to six months of hands-on work experience with employers. Starting October, Google will make available 100 positions in Singapore with the remaining 500 positions will be supported by Google’s key partners (initial list of participating companies available in the Annex).
The place and train programme is open to all local graduates, professionals, and jobseekers, with its training programme fees entirely paid for. Successful applicants will be informed of their host companies before the programme begins and receive a monthly salary while undergoing training. The programme is supported by the Company-Led Training Programme under TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA) initiative, by IMDA.
b. Two six-month full-time training courses in the areas of Digital Marketing and Cloud Technology for up to 2,400 mid-career professionals. These courses provide industry-relevant skills to boost employability in the ICT sector. Each enrolled participant will receive a monthly training allowance of $1,500.
The nett fee for each training programme is $500, which participants can use their SkillsFuture credit for. The rest of the fees will be subsidised by SSG. This will be the first two courses to be rolled out under SSG’s SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways – Enterprise-based Training programme, in support of the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package.
As part of Skills Ignition SG, Google has developed a comprehensive online curriculum to provide vocational learning in the areas of Digital Marketing and Cloud Technology together with its authorised training providers, AVADO and Agilitics. The curriculum will include a mix of online live instructor-led training, self-paced online study and online group and individual project work. Participants who complete either course will receive professional certificates recognized globally.
Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran said, “COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge for Singapore, affecting our lives and livelihoods. In this uncertain environment, the government’s over-riding economic priority is to create jobs and opportunities for our people, and I am encouraged that companies, such as Google, are also stepping up to join us in this critical national effort. In today’s challenging labour market, Google’s collaboration with EDB, IMDA and SSG, will help some 3,000 fresh graduates and mid-career professionals secure jobs, advance their skills and start a fulfilling career in the ICT sector, which remains one of the bright spots in our economy.”
Mr. Scott Beaumont, President, Google Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to partner with the government in supporting 3,000 local jobseekers through Skills Ignition SG, and thank and recognise our industry partners who have stepped up during this difficult job climate. While the pandemic has impacted jobs and career opportunities, it has also accelerated digitalisation by businesses and increased demand for digital skills. We hope this programme will help bridge that gap.”
Mr. Ben King, Country Director at Google Singapore, added, “We remain focused on empowering Singaporeans today, for tomorrow, as we create good training opportunities, and vital industry experience for Singaporeans. To kick off the programme, Google will offer 100 locals hands-on work experience at our office and will continue to work with our partners to offer more job placements. When participants successfully complete the programme, they will be equipped to take on jobs with companies within Singapore’s broader tech ecosystem. Skills Ignition SG will benefit entry- and mid-level jobseekers and enhance the talent available to all companies to enable them to take their business forward in Singapore.”
Read also: Google Offers IT Certificate and Scholarships to Help Entry-Level Workforce
