Introduction
In Singapore’s dynamic economic landscape, companies must frequently adapt to technological advancements, evolving industry standards, and changes in workforce demands. Staying competitive often requires hiring people who may not yet have all the technical know-how but possess the right foundational skills and attitude. That’s where the Career Conversion Programmes (CCP) come in—an initiative designed to support employers in building and nurturing a future-ready workforce through reskilling and job redesign.
This comprehensive guide explores how CCP works, the advantages it offers to employers, the kinds of support available, and the steps businesses can take to participate effectively.
Understanding the Career Conversion Programme
The Career Conversion Programme (CCP) is a government-supported training initiative managed by Workforce Singapore (WSG). It assists employers in hiring mid-career professionals who are moving into new industries or taking on different job functions. CCP facilitates structured training and upskilling to prepare these individuals for their new roles within the organisation.
Whether you’re hiring someone switching careers or reskilling a current employee to adapt to internal restructuring, CCP helps align skills development with your business needs.
Why Employers Should Consider CCP
1. Solve Hiring Challenges
Certain industries frequently encounter shortages in job-ready talent. With CCP, businesses can hire promising individuals and train them for the required roles instead of waiting for the perfect hire to appear.
2. Enjoy Government Funding
The programme significantly lowers the cost of training and hiring by offering subsidies for both salary and training expenses. This makes upskilling efforts financially manageable, even for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
3. Enhance Employee Loyalty
Investing in employee development fosters a sense of appreciation and belonging. Staff who receive training are more likely to stay, reducing attrition and improving workplace morale.
4. Support Business Transformation
As your company modernises—through automation, digitalisation, or service expansion—CCP helps redeploy existing staff into new roles aligned with future business needs.
5. Build a Local Talent Pipeline
The programme helps reduce dependency on foreign labour by equipping local mid-career jobseekers with relevant capabilities for your business.
CCP Structures Employers Can Tap On
There are multiple CCP formats to cater to different hiring or reskilling needs:
1. Place-and-Train
This structure allows employers to recruit individuals who do not yet meet all job requirements and train them while they are on the job. The employee starts working from day one while undergoing structured skills training.
2. Attach-and-Train
In industries where hiring is temporarily slower or training periods are longer, this structure lets individuals undergo training while attached to a company, without an immediate job offer. This format is more commonly led by industry partners or associations.
3. Redeployment or Job Redesign Reskilling
This version is suited for companies reorganising or automating their operations. Employees affected by job changes or redundancy can be reskilled and assigned to new roles within the same organisation.
Industries with Available CCPs
Over 100 CCPs are available across more than 30 industry sectors. These include:
- Information Technology (IT) & Digital Services
- Healthcare & Aged Care
- Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing
- Financial & Insurance Services
- Food & Beverage (F&B)
- Retail
- Construction & Facilities Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Environmental & Sustainability Sectors
- Media & Communications
Each programme is crafted with input from industry stakeholders to ensure that the training remains relevant and aligned with market demands.
Requirements for Employers
To participate in a CCP as an employer, you will need to meet specific criteria:
- Be a business legally registered in Singapore
- Provide a job role that matches one of the approved CCPs
- Offer training either directly (via on-the-job training) or through an appointed training partner
- Hire a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident for the role
- Ensure that the candidate is not a shareholder or a close relative of business owners
- Commit to employing the participant upon successful training completion
These conditions ensure the programme supports genuine workforce transformation.
Financial Incentives for Employers
Participating companies benefit from attractive subsidies that help offset costs:
| Type of Support | Standard Funding | Enhanced Funding for SMEs or Mature Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Support | Up to 70% | Up to 90% |
| Training Course Fees | Up to 70% | Up to 90% |
Enhanced support applies when employers hire Singaporeans aged 40 or above or those unemployed for six months or longer. This reduces financial risk and encourages employers to consider mid-career candidates.
How to Apply for CCP as an Employer
Engaging in the programme is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s what employers can expect:
- Find a Relevant CCP
Identify a programme that aligns with your industry or the role you’re hiring for. This information is available on WSG’s official website or through CCP Programme Partners. - Initiate Employer Registration
Reach out to the relevant Programme Partner and express interest in the programme. They will assist you in submitting the necessary documentation. - Hire or Nominate a Trainee
You can either select a new hire or nominate an existing employee for upskilling under CCP. - Develop a Training Plan
Collaborate with the training provider or programme partner to design a roadmap that includes classroom learning and hands-on job training. - Start Training and Submit Claims
Once training begins, employers may submit claims for salary and training subsidies, subject to meeting programme conditions.
How to Maximise Results with CCP
To derive maximum value from CCP, employers are encouraged to:
– Define Clear Job Goals
Know the key deliverables of the role and the skills that need to be taught. This clarity helps tailor the training for greater impact.
– Select the Right Candidates
Look for people with foundational knowledge, relevant soft skills, and the motivation to learn. With CCP, aptitude and attitude matter more than previous job titles.
– Provide Hands-On Mentorship
Assign supervisors or senior staff to guide the trainee during the learning journey. Regular check-ins help ensure the employee is progressing effectively.
– Track Training Outcomes
Evaluate if the training is meeting its objectives and adjust where necessary. Keeping records will also help with claim submission and reporting.
– Continue Upskilling Post-Programme
Use CCP as a stepping stone to create a learning culture in your business. Continued training will keep your workforce competitive and confident.
Illustrative Examples
To understand how CCP works in practice, here are some simplified illustrations:
Example 1: Hospitality Upskilling
A mid-career professional from the education sector joins a hotel chain and is enrolled in the CCP for Guest Services Executives. After structured training, they are fully integrated into front desk operations, helping improve customer satisfaction.
Example 2: Manufacturing Job Redesign
An SME in precision engineering plans to automate its operations. It reskills older employees from manual machine operations to equipment maintenance under the CCP for Advanced Manufacturing. These employees now support the transition without job losses.
Example 3: Tech Role Conversion
A local startup hires a mid-career jobseeker with sales experience and enrolls them in CCP for Digital Marketing. Within a few months, the employee is running online campaigns that bring measurable ROI to the business.
Conclusion
For employers in Singapore, the Career Conversion Programme offers a smart and resource-efficient way to secure skilled talent, retrain existing staff, and support long-term business transformation. With generous government funding, a wide array of sector-specific options, and end-to-end guidance from programme partners, CCP is a powerful workforce development tool that every forward-thinking employer should consider.
By participating in CCP, companies don’t just solve manpower issues—they cultivate loyal employees, strengthen core competencies, and build resilience for the future.
If your business is looking to grow and adapt with the right people, explore how the Career Conversion Programme can fit into your talent strategy today.