18/03/2015

Over 3,000 PMEs Set To Benefit From P-Max - WDA's Enhanced Place-And-Train Programme For SMEs

Minister for Manpower, Tan Chuan-Jin, today launched P-Max, an enhanced Place-and-Train programme targeted at Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs), P-Max will help participating SMEs to better cope with the challenges of talent recruitment, development and retention in a tight labour market.

P-Max builds on WDA's earlier Place-and-Train programme – Max Talent – which was offered from 1 April 2012 to 30 September 2014. From 18 March 2015 to 31 December 2017, P-Max will place over 3,000 PMEs in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate the entry of PMEs into suitable SME jobs.

P-Max will include a new one-day SME workshop which equips SMEs to adopt and incorporate progressive HR practices by training supervisors in participating SMEs to effectively communicate and work with PMEs within their organisation. The content of the existing PME Workshop will also be enhanced to include modules on workplace ethics, joint targets setting and performance reviews. This will better help PMEs excel in an SME work environment.

To be eligible for P-Max, individuals will need to meet the following criteria, namely,

1. be a Singapore Citizen of Permanent Resident who is interested to pursue a career in an SME, or working in the current SME for not more than three months prior to programme enrolment;
2.  hold at least a Diploma or have prior work experience in a PME position; and
3. have at least one year of full-time work experience.

Hiring SMEs with PME job vacancies which offer a gross monthly salary of at least $2,500 are eligible to come on board P-Max.

Under P-Max, participating SMEs and PMEs will benefit in the following ways:

1. Job-seeking PMEs will be matched into suitable positions in SMEs, facilitated by WDA's five Career Centres and CaliberLink which provide a range of career and training advisory services.
2. Training provided for management staff, supervisors, HR representatives from the SMEs and their newly-hired PMEs.
3. Post-training follow-up with the newly-trained PME personnel and their SME representatives for a period of six months, and
4. One-time Assistance Grant of $5,000 for SMEs who successfully retain their newly-hired PMEs for six months. 

WDA has appointed the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) as Programme Managers of P-Max. Tapping on their networks with businesses, employers and individuals, ASME and SNEF will support the objectives of P-Max to enhance the HR capabilities of SMEs and help PMEs adapt to and succeed in an SME setting.

Among the early adopters of P-Max are Brite Koncept Pte Ltd, 361 Degree Management Pte Ltd, Feng Ming Construction Pte Ltd, Goodrich Global Pte Ltd, Inknowvision Pte Ltd, Nicae Trading & Industrial Supplies, Soon Chow Workshop (2001) Pte Ltd, Soverus Pte Ltd, Temploy, The Adventus Consultants Pte Ltd, and Transpacific Certifications (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All these companies have pledged their commitment to strengthen their recruitment, development and retention of PMEs through P-Max.

Mr Ng Cher Pong, WDA’s Chief Executive said: “To tap on the growth opportunities available, SMEs are strengthening their HR capabilities, including how they recruit and develop PMEs in their organisations. This is important now more than ever because of the tight labour market in Singapore. WDA is therefore pleased to work closely with ASME and SNEF as our programme partners to build up the capabilities of SMEs and provide PMEs with meaningful jobs and career opportunities. To this end, I strongly encourage PMEs and SMEs to come on board P-Max, and together, realise the SkillsFuture vision of developing skills and mastery, and staying relevant for the future.”

Dr Robert Yap, President of SNEF said: “P-Max is also timely in helping businesses move up the value chain, by driving efforts in human capital and productivity. We are proud of this partnership with WDA and as the appointed Programme Manager, we will support the national agenda of fostering a positive mindset for both PMEs and SMEs in the workplace.”

Mr Kurt Wee, President of ASME, shares: “Many enhancements have been made to the new Place-and-Train programme under P-Max, making it more relevant to PMEs. It is also much stronger in its programme offerings for getting SMEs on board to adopt progressive HR practices and ensure that they benefit from the newly-introduced P-Max. I am hopeful that P-Max will be able to place more local talents into SMEs, and help build a core strategic management team to grow local businesses.”

About Singapore Workforce Development Agency

The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers – young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives – to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg.

About Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME)

The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1986 for entrepreneurs, by enterpreneurs. With wide-ranging services and programmes, ASME strives to equip member SMEs with the business knowledge and market opportunities to help them grow their businesses.

ASME, as the champion of a pro-enterprise Singapore, bridges the public and the private sectors to promote a more conducive business environment which facilitates the start-up, growth and development of a larger pool of SMEs. The two ASME flagship awards – The Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Singapore Prestige Brand Award are in recognition of SMEs’ successes.

ASME will continue to roll out new SME-relevant programmes to enhance its position as the business association For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit www.asme.org.sg.

About Singapore National Employers Federation

The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) is a trade union of employers. Our mission is to advance tripartism and responsible employment practices for sustainable business growth for the benefit of employers and their employees. SNEF has a membership of over 3,000 companies with a combined workforce of over 750,000. For more information, please visit www.snef.org.sg.