Singapore Introduces New Programs to Help Elderly, Mid-career Job Seekers

In light of the tighter job market, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) have today announced a new program to boost the supply of accounting technicians.

The Accounts Assistant Place-and-Train Program has been designed to employ and then train mid-career Singapore citizens and permanent residents with little or no accounting experience but are keen to enter the industry.

Under the program, which begins in January 2013, appointed candidates will undergo training for half a day followed by an apprenticeship component at the workplace on a daily basis for 12 to 18 months.

Successful candidates will then be awarded the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) qualification, which can later be used to jumpstart a career in accounting.

Best of all, companies may apply for a training allowance worth up to 70% of a trainee’s monthly salary.

“In a society where productivity and youth are highly valued, companies must lead by example and be mindful to treat their workers with respect. This can be achieved by creating a conducive work environment and educating other employees to be considerate to and patient with their more senior colleagues. After all, we will all grow old one day and would like to be treated with dignity.”

GETTING SENIOR CITIZENS BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE

In addition, a new employment program, the Silver Care Employment @North West, has been launched to help seniors re-enter the workforce.

The program, which will conduct quarterly job fairs, aims to employ 70% of senior job seekers annually. Its first installment, which commences tomorrow, will feature 700 positions in the food and beverage, security and service industries. These positions, which include flexible and part time arrangements, have been redesigned for senior citizens.

According to data from a Channel NewsAsia report, senior citizens form approximately 35% of residents in Singapore’s North West District who are keen to work again.

Head of Operations at Rikvin, Mr. Satish Bakhda, applauded the launch of both programs and the move to tap Singapore’s existing pool of manpower. “In light of a tighter labor market, employers can source within Singapore to plug manpower gaps. Mid-career and elderly workers bring with them extensive experience and knowledge which can add value to an organization.”

“In a society where productivity and youth are highly valued, companies must lead by example and be mindful to treat their workers with respect. This can be achieved by creating a conducive work environment and educating other employees to be considerate to and patient with their more senior colleagues. After all, we will all grow old one day and would like to be treated with dignity.”

Singapore Introduces New Programs to Help Elderly, Mid-career Job Seekers