Alternative Entry Pathway (AEP) Programme

Traditionally, all new Construction Work Permit Holders (WPHs) must pass their Skills Evaluation Certificate (Knowledge) or SEC(K) before working in Singapore. This ensures they have basic trade knowledge and skills.

The Alternative Entry Pathway (AEP) pilot offers a different approach allowing responsible and progressive employers to take ownership in identifying and selecting higher quality and experienced workers. BCA worked with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and industry partners to allow this group of WPHs with relevant work experience, customised training and/or vocational certifications from overseas, to work in Singapore in lieu of passing the SEC(K) test to support their project needs. 

There are currently three routes (Employer-led, Vocational Certification and General Competency Assessment (GCA)) under the AEP pilot which firms can bring experienced workers into Singapore:

1.       The “Employer-led” route is applicable to all construction firms which allows them to select and recruit:

a.       Experienced worker in relevant trade who were previously involved in overseas projects;

b.      Experienced workers who were previously trained by the *foreign vocational institutes in the relevant trade skill sets;

2.       The “Vocational Certification” route to bring in workers who possess *foreign vocational certification in construction-relevant skillsets.

3.       A new General Competency Assessment (GCA) AEP route that aims to help firms identify and recruit higher aptitude workers who demonstrate English language competency to support.  advanced methods such as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) and Prefabricated Mechanical Electrical & Plumbing Systems (Prefab MEP). Further details on how to apply for this AEP route will be announced soon.

* Vocational certificates should be issued by the vocational institutes recognised by the foreign government and the training syllabus should be at least on par with SEC(K) standards

• Faster recruitment process as compared to bringing in the workers via the conventional entry routes.

• Flexibility to bring in experienced and highly skilled workers without the need to send them for SEC(K) test at Overseas Testing Centres.

• Less training required as employers take ownership to select only better quality and experienced workers in the relevant trades, who could be immediately deployed for Singapore projects, Will facilitate the firm to meet project timelines due to projected increased productivity from such skilled workers.

Several organisations are currently running AEP pilots. These include Contractors, Trade Associations & Chambers (TACs) and Non-profit organisations. Workers can still be recruited through these existing pilots.

To qualify for AEP, your proposal must show:

1. Employers actively select skilled workers - firms take ownership in identifying and recruiting skilled workers

2. Workers have construction experience - either in their home country or on international projects

3. Workers hold recognised qualifications - vocational certificates from government-recognised institutes or accredited organisations

For more information on ongoing AEP pilots to help industry bring in better quality workers, you can visit the following links