SINGAPORE - In a huge push to get people interested in the seniorcare sector, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is embarking on a one-year trial of several incentives to see if they attract more support care workers.

These schemes include paid job-shadowing stints, training programmes, and sign-up bonuses.

Someone who is interested to know more about the industry, for example, can sign up for a three-day "discovery programme".

During this stint, they will be attached to a care provider to observe how care is carried out, and paid an allowance.

Those who wish to go more in-depth can instead opt for a five-week training course in support care skills, after which they will be qualified to work as senior care associates, health attendants, or therapy aides.

Open to both current caregivers as well as those with no experience, participants in the course will get an allowance and a $200 bonus upon completion.

Those who wish to find out more about these two schemes can call 1800-650-6060.

Starting next Tuesday, five job fairs will be held across the island every two to three months. People who join the sector from June onwards will also get a sign-up bonus of one month after they complete one year of service.

The four pilot schemes will run until the end of May next year, after which AIC will assess if they have been successful.

"The community care sector is a sunrise sector that offers many good job opportunities for Singaporeans who wish to pursue a meaningful career," said Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor. She announced the new schemes at the AIC's Community Care Forum, held on Friday morning at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

"We need people with good hearts and deep skills to help us expand community care, as well as bring our quality of care to the next level."