04/12/2015

SPRING Singapore Launches $45 Million SkillsFuture Mentors Programme To Strengthen SMEs’ Learning And Development Capabilities

Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), Mr S Iswaran announced that SMEs will be able to tap on a pool of SkillsFuture Mentors to strengthen their learning and development (L&D) capabilities and build up their branding as employers of choice with attractive career development and growth opportunities, during the launch of the programme today.

A budget of $45 million has been put aside for the SkillsFuture Mentors Programme which seeks to help SMEs develop the skills of their employees, deliver quality internships and eventually participate in the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme¹. The SkillsFuture Mentors will be matched to eligible SMEs over a nine-month period to develop and implement the mentorship plan. The Mentors will help SMEs enhance their systems and processes for L&D. As supervisors and managers play a key role in developing their people, the Mentors will also provide guidance and coaching to help them improve their training delivery to the trainees.

To benefit from the help provided by the SkillsFuture Mentors, participating SMEs should have basic L&D systems and processes in place, such as defined job scopes and deliverables, and should be committed to improve the L&D experience for employees which is a pre-requisite for SME participation in the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme.

The SkillsFuture Mentors have deep management and industry experience, and expertise in L&D. The first batch of Mentors has been selected by a panel comprising representatives from SPRING Singapore, Institutes of Higher Learning and the industry. These mentors have completed an orientation programme conducted by Republic Polytechnic (RP) and will continuously upgrade their skills through peer learning platforms.

Ms Chew Mok Lee, Assistant Chief Executive of SPRING Singapore, said, “Many SMEs face talent attraction and retention challenges due to a lack of experience and resources to put in place robust training plans and career progression pathways for employees. The SkillsFuture Mentors will help SMEs enhance their learning and development practices to build a quality workforce that supports business growth. SPRING will work with the IHLs and industry to ensure quality mentors are being matched to the SMEs.”

RP Principal/CEO, Mr Yeo Li Pheow, added, "RP collaborates with SMEs as they are our important partners. Through such close partnership, our students and graduates can deepen skills and develop promising careers with SMEs. RP supports the SkillsFuture Mentors Programme by training mentors in effective coaching and mentoring skills, complementing their technical knowledge. This programme will strengthen the learning and development capabilities of SMEs, allowing them to stay competitive."

SPRING aims to build up a pool of 400 mentors to support 2,000 SMEs over the next three years, and will provide 100% funding support to SMEs for the first three years.

Interested professionals are invited to participate as SkillsFuture Mentors. They are required to have at least eight years industry experience, five years management experience and experience in learning and development.

Annex A: Factsheet on SkillsFuture Mentors Programme