Strategic Manpower Conversion Programme Launched To Help Non-Healthcare Trained Individuals Make Career Switches To Join The Healthcare Sector

14 Feb 2003

Singaporeans seeking a career change can now capitalise on the incentives provided under the Strategic Manpower Conversion Programme for the Healthcare sector or SMCP (Healthcare) which will help them acquire the relevant skills for careers in the industry. The scheme, driven by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) and supported by various healthcare institutions and healthcare training providers was launched today by Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Health and Second Minister for Finance, at the inaugural Healthcare Career Fair 2003.

Background on SMCP (Healthcare)

Traditionally the relatively long training period as well as the high costs of training have deterred people from entering the healthcare industry. However, with the introduction of SMCP (Healthcare), we now offer course fee support and training allowances to SMCP (Healthcare) trainees as well as on-the-job wage support to sponsoring institutions who hire these individuals upon the completion of their training. The SMCP (Healthcare) therefore serves a dual role of making it more attractive for Singaporeans to consider careers in the healthcare industry and providing industry players with a ready pool of trained professionals.

For a start, SMCP (Healthcare) aims to provide 80 non-healthcare trained Singaporeans with the specialised skills to take up jobs as registered nurses under a two-year Diploma in Nursing Programme (Accelerated) conducted by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Targeted at polytechnic and university graduates, the programme will provide trainees with a quality educational and experiential foundation that gives them a head-start in a fulfilling nursing career. Upon graduation, they will be eligible for registration with the Singapore Nursing Board, which gives them the license to practise as professional nurses. For more details on the Diploma in Nursing Programme (Accelerated), please visit the Employment Town website at www.employmenttown.gov.sg or the NYP website at www.nyp.edu.sg. The SMCP (Healthcare) will subsequently be extended to include training for other health professions like radiation therapists, diagnostic radiographers and other allied health professions still in demand.

SMCP (Healthcare) to offer individuals up to 50% financial support for course fees and gross salary

Individuals who secure employment from the sponsoring healthcare institutions (see Annex A) prior to the commencement of the training will enjoy MOM's support of up to 50% of the payable course fees, or $4,000, whichever is lower. The remaining fees will be borne by the sponsoring institution. Trainees can also look forward to additional support in terms of training allowances of up to $950 per month for the first year and up to $1,000 per month for the second year while they are undergoing training. MOM will provide up to 50% of the trainee's last drawn salary, or up to S$800/month, whichever is lower, while the sponsoring healthcare institution will co-fund the remaining training allowance.

Sponsoring organisations of SMCP (Healthcare) trainees to receive wage support

Healthcare institutions supporting SMCP (Healthcare) trainees can also claim support of up to 50% of a trainee's gross salary, or $800 per month, whichever is lower, for 3 months after the trainees completes his/her course. Institutions sponsoring existing non-healthcare trained staff who meet the training programme requirements for future SMCP (Healthcare)-supported courses also stand to benefit from all of the above incentives.

Members of the public with enquiries on SMCP (Healthcare) may contact MOM's Jobs Hotline at Tel: 6883 5885 or email: mom_careerlink@mom.gov.sg. They can also visit www.employmenttown.gov.sg for more details.