New training programme to attract local PMEs into food services and retail sectors

A new training programme to attract more local professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) in the food services and retail sectors has been launched today.

The Core Executive Programme (CEP) is jointly organised by the National Trades Union Congress and SPRING Singapore. 

Suitable candidates will be identified, matched and placed with a participating company that's prepared to employ them on full-time employment terms. 

Those with diploma will earn a salary of at least $2,000 a month while a degree holder will be paid at least $2,500. 

They will then go through a 12-month training and development programme to build core industry skills. 

SPRING Singapore will fund up to 70 per cent of the training costs for the company. 

So far, 27 small and medium enterprises have pledged to participate. 

About 500 workers are expected to benefit from the programme. 

Heng Chee How is NTUC Deputy Secretary General. 

"This is part of the overall effort to make sure that within our growing economy for key sectors such as these we would continue to have a good share of the jobs especially at the middle and higher levels for our Singaporeans in particular, because we certainly want a situation where good opportunities for entry and for upgrading remain open and accessible to our Singaporeans."