LOCAL crane operators are still in short supply, but some respite seems to have kicked in recently, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Friday.

In his blog, Mr Khaw said the Building Construction Authority received "an ovewhelming response" of more than 1,200 enquiries from Singaporeans eager to find out more about the job.

On top of that, some 50 local companies have stepped forward to participate in the Crane Apprenticeship Programme (CAP).

This resulted in 100 job vacancies for crane operators.

Earlier on in May, the Minister touched on the shortage of local crane operators that are needed as the Housing Board pushes out record numbers of new flats.

These operators can earn up to $7,000 a month, but the risks involved and perceptions about the job meant that only half of the 3,600 active operators here were local.

Mr Khaw also noted that while CAP has closed its registrations for this year, BCA will be stepping up its training classes in its academy.

"In view of the increased demand, BCA is talking to industry firms so that there are more training providers who can set up additional training facilities," he said.