Part of CET Masterplan to train and place adult Singaporeans for jobs in high-growth sectors
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency’s (WDA) Screen, Prepare, Place and Train (SPPT) programme that prepares workers to become community healthcare assistants, has successfully placed and trained 34 students in the step-down care sector since its launch last September. Among the 34 graduands 1[The first batch of 17 trainees graduated in December 2007 while the secondbatch of 17 trainees graduatestoday.], 30 of them are aged 40 and above and95% do not have prior experience in healthcare industry.
2 The SPPT programme offers an accessible and viable pathway for jobseekers and career switchers looking to enter the healthcare industry. It equips trainees with both soft and hard skills to work in a step-down care setting like community hospitals and nursing homes. The skills include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), workplace safety and health procedures, assisting clients with self medication,meeting clients’physical and emotional needs and other skills. The three-month training also includes a four-week clinical attachment at a step-down care facility.
3 Mr Ong Ye Kung, Chief Executive of WDA says, “SPPT is a model example of our CET programme – regardless of age, the training is accessible and open to all who wish to acquire new skills or upgrade their skills to stay competitive and employable. Graduands from this programme will have many opportunities to upgrade their skills further and consequently take on higher responsibilities.”
4 Dr Benjie Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Sree Narayana Mission Home for Aged Sick, agreed that the graduands’ suitability for an eventual job in the industry is important. “With the stringent screening process and structured training, the SPPT programme ensures the trainees are equipped with the right mindset and attitude as well as the necessary skills to join the industry. This will help to address the manpower challenges and reduce the turnover rate within the industry. We welcome mature Healthcare Assistants to join us as they put a local touch in our homes, sharing similar backgrounds with our residents.”
5 As at February 2008, 51 participants have enrolled in the programme. Other upcoming intake is planned in April 2008. The target this year is to train 100 community healthcare assistants and placed them with suitable companies.
For media interview and further enquiries, please contact:
Ms Cheryl Chiam
Manager, Corporate and Marketing Communications
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
DID: 65121242
Mobile: 93672181
Email: cheryl_chiam@wda.gov.sg
Ms Chin Wei Jia
Group Senior Business Development Manager
Health Management International Pte Ltd
DID: 63707160
Email: chinwj@hmi.com.sg
About Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) seeks to enhance the employability and competitiveness of our workforce to meet the changing needs of Singapore’s economy. Working with industry, unions, employers, economic agencies, professional associations and training organisations, the agency’s efforts are targeted at supporting industry growth by building a pipeline of workers through training and skills upgrading, andraising industry standards through enhancing manpower capabilities.
For more information, please visit http://www.wda.gov.sg
About Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ)
WSQ, or the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications, is a national credentialing system that trains, develops, assesses and recognises adult workers for competencies they need to stay employable. Based on standards developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and various industries, WSQ ensures workers acquire skills needed by employers at the workplace. With clear progression pathways, workers can also use WSQ to upgrade their skills and plan their careers. As training and assessment are competency-based, not academic-based, workers have to demonstrate the right competencies before they are certified. Experienced workers however, can receive WSQ certification without training. WSQ is accessible to all workers, as its entry criteria are skills and knowledge, not formal qualifications. The quality of WSQ is assured by WDA, from the development of competency standards, accreditation of training providers to the award of its qualifications.
About Health Management Limited (HMI.SP)
Health Management International Pte Ltd (“HMI”) is a regional healthcare and education service provider with presence in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Group, has over the years, (i) strengthened its healthcare and hospital management services in Malaysia, (ii)focused on its hospital management services in Indonesia; and (iii) developed the Group’s education arm, HMI Institute of Health Sciences (“IHS”), as a premier provider specialising in nursing education and healthcare training.
About HMI Institute of Health Sciences
HMI Institute of Health Sciences (“IHS”) is the only dedicated private healthcare education provider in Singapore. Established in 2002, it is an Approved Training Centre and Approved Assessment Centre under the Singapore National Skills Recognition System implemented by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency. To date, IHS has trained and placed over 1000 nurses and healthcare assistants in Singapore restructured hospitals, private hospitals, community hospitals and nursing homes. For more information, please visit HMI’s corporate website at www.hmi.com.sg
