Sandbox on Alternative Pathway to Bring in Better Quality Workers and Foreign Worker Job Matching (FWJM) Programme
Sandbox on Alternative Pathway to Bring in Better Quality Workers
What is it?
Currently, new Construction WPHs are required to attain their Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge) [(SEC(K)] qualification to ensure that they are equipped with the basic trade knowledge and skills competency before coming to Singapore to work. To enable employers to have higher ownership to bring in better quality workers with appropriate skillset and deploy workers in the relevant trades which they were trained in, skilled at and experienced at the source country, BCA has worked with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and industry partners to pilot alternative pathways for employers to bring in skilled workers from overseas to improve the productivity in the construction sector. The quality of these workers under the alternative pathway should be at least on par or better than a SEC(K) qualified worker and the employment or placement costs borne by the workers committed by the entity and the employer should similarly be lower.
How it works?
Currently, a few entities such as non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Trade Associations & Chambers (TACs) and firms which had made viable proposals to demonstrate that the objectives of the sandbox can be achieved are involved in the sandbox operations for a one-year trial from 1 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023.
For more information
You may visit the following websites of such entities involved in the sandbox for more information:
The better quality workers are screened by APC and MBAS based on the following requirements:
1. Possess related construction experience at source country or were involved in other overseas projects;
2. Possess vocational certificates issued by institutes which are recognised by the government in their source country or accredited by reputable organisation
The process involves pre-employment training and job placement with prospective employers.
Foreign Worker Job Matching (FWJM) Programme
What is it?
The Singapore Contractors Association Ltd (SCAL) has worked with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to pilot the Foreign Worker Job Matching (FWJM) Programme. This programme is designed to assist employers in hiring skilled foreign workers who are interested in working as construction work pass holders (WPHs) in Singapore and will be certified SEC(K) skilled at source. The FWJM programme matches workers with relevant trade skills and experience to the requirements of the employers, ensuring a suitable fit for both parties. This helps to ensure that the selected workers are well-suited to the job requirements, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
In addition, the FWJM programme aims to reduce the migration costs of foreign workers by facilitating the process through only approved manpower agencies collaborating with SCAL to ensure that the job matching process is transparent and fair for all parties involved.
For more information
Interested employers may contact the following entity to participate in the FWJM Programme: