Upskilling your workforce is crucial for staying competitive in today’s dynamic business environment. SkillsFuture Singapore provides a variety of resources to help employers invest in their employees' training and development. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the SkillsFuture as an employer, from getting started to maximising its benefits.

What are some SkillsFuture initiatives made for employers?

SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) offers a range of initiatives designed to help employers upskill their workforce, enhance productivity, and stay competitive through skills training. These initiatives include the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC), which provides additional funding support for workforce transformation and employee training, and the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS), which offers higher funding subsidies to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for selected courses.

Employers can also benefit from the Skills Development Levy (SDL) funding, which helps subsidise the cost of training. Additionally, SkillsFuture provides access to the Skills Framework, a comprehensive guide that outlines key skills, career pathways, and training programmes across various industries, enabling employers to plan and implement targeted training strategies. By leveraging these initiatives, employers can foster a culture of continuous learning, equip their employees with the necessary skills for future challenges, and boost overall business performance.

Explore other resources and programmes available to support your employees' skills training needs on SSG’s Employers Initiatives.

Why use SkillsFuture for employee training?

According to the 2021 study by the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), a 10% increase in the proportion of local workers sponsored for training led to: 

2.2% increase in labour productivity

0.7% increase in company revenue

0.6% increase in employee retention

0.5% increase in local employee

Based on the findings, it suggests that employer-sponsored training is effective at improving company-level outcomes. Thus, using SkillsFuture for employee training offers numerous advantages that can significantly benefit both employers and their workforce. Here are some compelling reasons why employers should consider leveraging SkillsFuture for employee development:

1. Access to government funding and grants

SkillsFuture provides various funding schemes, such as the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) and Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS), which help offset the costs of training. These grants make it more affordable for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to invest in employee development without straining their budgets. By reducing financial barriers, SkillsFuture encourages employers to upskill their workforce regularly.

2. Wide range of approved training programmes

SkillsFuture offers a comprehensive directory of approved courses across various industries and skill sets, from technical and digital skills to leadership and management. This variety ensures that employers can find relevant training options that align with their specific business needs and industry requirements. By choosing from SkillsFuture-approved programmes, employers can be confident in the quality and relevance of the training provided.

3. Enhanced workforce productivity and competitiveness

Training employees through SkillsFuture initiatives help enhance their skills, knowledge, and competencies, leading to improved job performance and productivity. A well-trained workforce is better equipped to handle challenges, innovate, and contribute to the company's growth. By continuously upskilling their employees, businesses can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

4. Support for a lifelong learning culture

SkillsFuture promotes a culture of lifelong learning by encouraging employees to continuously upgrade their skills. Employers who leverage SkillsFuture initiatives can foster a learning environment where employees feel empowered to pursue their career development. This commitment to continuous learning not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also prepares the workforce for future challenges.

5. Simplified management and tracking of training activities

The SkillsFuture Employer Login portal provides a user-friendly interface for managing all aspects of employee training. Employers can easily apply for grants, enrol employees in courses, and track training progress and outcomes. This streamlined process saves time and effort, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while still investing in employee development.

6. Alignment with industry standards and future skills needs

SkillsFuture initiatives, including the Skills Framework, align training programmes with industry standards and emerging skill requirements. This alignment ensures that employees are not only gaining relevant skills for their current roles but are also being prepared for future industry trends and technological advancements. By staying ahead of the curve, businesses can maintain a competitive edge.

What is the eligibility for subsidies and funding?

Notes:

1. To enjoy course fee funding, you may enrol your employee directly with SSG’s CET (Continuing Education and Training) centres or training providers delivering SSG-supported courses. You will only need to pay the net course fee (full course fee after SSG’s grant). To check if a course is supported by SSG, click here.
2. SSG will stop funding non-certifiable courses and in-house training after 31 December 2024. For more details, please refer to the following updates on TPGateway here:
   • Changes for Funding for Non-Certifiable Courses
   • Winding down of Funding for In-house Training

How to find SkillsFuture-supported courses and programmes for employee training?

To find SkillsFuture-supported courses and programmes for employee training, visit the Training Exchange on the MySkillsFuture portal. This platform allows employers to search for a wide range of SkillsFuture-approved courses by filtering options such as course category, training provider, and eligibility for subsidies. Simply enter keywords related to the skills you want to develop in your employees and browse through the available training programmes.

How to access the SkillsFuture employer login?

Accessing the SkillsFuture employer login portal is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the SkillsFuture Singapore login portal
   Navigate to the official SkillsFuture Singapore website or directly access the SkillsFuture Employer Login portal.
2. Sign Up or Log In
   Employers will need a SingPass account to log in. If you do not have a SingPass account, you must register for one. SingPass is a digital identity for businesses and individuals to transact with government agencies online.
3. Log In
   Once you have a SingPass account, use it to log in to the SkillsFuture Employer portal. Ensure your SingPass has been configured with the appropriate e-service access rights for SkillsFuture transactions.
4. Dashboard access
   After logging in, you will be redirected to your dashboard, where you can manage training applications, track employee training records, and access various services offered by SkillsFuture Singapore.

How to claim for SkillsFuture-funded courses?

Employers can claim for SkillsFuture-funded courses by applying for training grants through the SkillsFuture Employer Portal. First, ensure that the courses are eligible for funding and that all necessary documentation is in order. Submit the claim application after the training has been completed. More detailed guidelines and requirements for claiming SkillsFuture-funded courses can be found on the SkillsFuture funding for employers page.

Tip: For more details about claiming absentee payroll funding, check out our guide on Absentee Payroll Funding for Employers in Singapore.

What is SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)?

SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) is an initiative designed to support employers in Singapore with workforce and enterprise transformation. SFEC provides eligible employers with a one-time $10,000 credit to cover up to 90% of out-of-pocket expenses for skills training and business transformation efforts. To learn more about SFEC and how it can benefit your business, check out our SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) Guide for Business Owners.

How do I check the details of their SFEC disbursement?

Employers can check the details of their SFEC disbursement by visiting the SkillsFuture service portal. After logging in with CorpPass, navigate to the section for SFEC claims to view the disbursement details, including amounts, status, and usage. This ensures employers can keep track of their credits and manage their training budgets effectively.

Why use Payboy’s Training Management module to keep track of employee training?

Managing training schedules, tracking employee progress, and applying for grants can be overwhelming without the right tools. This is where the Payboy’s Training Management module comes into play. Here's how it helps manage the company's training initiative:

1. Centralised training management: Payboy's Training Management feature provides a centralised system for organising and managing employee training programmes efficiently.
2. Employee development tracking: The system allows for the tracking of individual employee training progress and skills development, ensuring alignment with career goals and company objectives.
3. Customisable training plans: Tailor training programmes to fit specific company needs or based on employees' job requirements. Whether it's upskilling or reskilling, our HRMS allows for customisable training plans aligned with company goals.
4. Compliance management: The feature helps maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements by managing certifications and training renewals.
5. Automated notifications: Automated reminders and notifications ensure that employees and managers are kept informed about upcoming training sessions and deadlines.

Streamline your HR processes with Payboy today!

As a PSG-approved HRMS, Payboy provides a robust system to help you manage your HR tasks so that you can focus on your business and people!

With our wide range of modules, you can customise a solution to meet the specific needs of your business:

Payroll Processing | Leave Management | Claims Management | Applicant Tracking

Time Attendance | Shift Scheduling | Appraisal System | Inventory ManagementProject Costing | Training Management | Benefits