Structured career pathways for skilled trades to come: Koh Poh Koon
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Structured pathways can be developed to help skilled tradespeople advance in their career, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon said.
ST PHOTO: KOLETTE LIM
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- Singapore will develop structured career pathways for skilled trades to recognise their value and allow for career advancement.
- The Government aims to ensure inclusive growth by strengthening workplace fairness, reviewing the Employment Act, and protecting platform workers.
- Future plans include empowering workers with AI literacy, facilitating flexible work arrangements, and supporting multi-generational workplaces.
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SINGAPORE – Structured career pathways are on the cards for those in the skilled trades, as part of ongoing efforts to create more opportunities for Singaporeans to succeed.
Speaking in Parliament, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon said the Government will work with employers, the labour movement, trade associations and institutes of higher learning to develop these pathways for progression for those inclined towards hands-on and “heart” jobs.
The aim is to better recognise the value of skilled tradespeople and lay out how they can advance in their careers, said Dr Koh on Sept 23. He did not provide a specific timeline for this initiative.
The National Trades Union Congress had in 2023 called for career frameworks to be developed for those in skilled trades, such as plumbers, electricians, and air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation mechanics.
Dr Koh revealed the plans as he outlined current and upcoming moves by the Government to ensure inclusive growth, in which Singaporeans can benefit from economic opportunities that enterprises create here.
“MOM will work with tripartite partners to raise the bar for safe, fair and inclusive workplaces that provide opportunities for everyone to thrive,” said Dr Koh, referring to the three-way partnership between the Government, employers and the labour movement.
For instance, he noted that Parliament passed the Workplace Fairness Act earlier in 2025
The Employment Act is also under review, to ensure it can account for evolving forms of work and the changing labour force profile, which now includes a greater proportion of professionals, managers and executives, he said.
He also highlighted steps taken to formally recognise platform workers as a distinct category of workers with protections, alongside efforts to help lower-wage workers and those who lost their jobs.
Ensuring inclusive growth is one of what Dr Koh dubbed the four key thrusts of the Ministry of Manpower, as Singapore faces an uncertain economic outlook and an evolving workforce, characterised by an ageing population and a more educated youth generation that desires work aligned with their values.
The other three priorities are: empowering Singaporeans to navigate the future of work; supporting career longevity; and expanding opportunities for workers and businesses.
On the future of work, he said the Government will empower every worker to cope with transitions including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI)
He also highlighted Career Health SG as another key effort, in which AI tools are used to equip Singaporeans with jobs and skills insights, offer career guidance and match them to good jobs where their skills are most relevant and valued.
“It is about releasing the potential of Singapore’s most precious resource – our people,” said Dr Koh, who is also Senior Minister of State for Health.
Fresh graduates will also get a boost in opportunities through the earlier-announced Graduate Industry Traineeships, he said.
On career longevity, he said the Government will explore ways to facilitate flexible arrangements at work or short career breaks for those who wish for a better balance between their career aspirations and caregiving needs.
He also noted that some seniors he has spoken to wished to reap the rewards of their many years of hard work, by taking a break, travelling the world and enjoying the company of their grandchildren.
But he added: “At the same time, they wish to stay engaged in the workforce and in society, in ways that bring them fulfilment and purpose.
“The Government will support Singaporeans in their multi-stage careers and work-life aspirations.”
To this end, the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, which Dr Koh co-chairs, has been speaking to senior workers and employers about their challenges.
“Those who are dropping out of work in their early 50s – years before the retirement age – shared with me that they are unable to balance their caregiving needs or need more support in upskilling to remain relevant and competitive in the work space.
“Employers have also shared their challenges in supporting multi-generational workplaces, which can effectively tap on the experience and expertise of senior workers, whilst combining the energies and skills of the younger generation.”
Updates on the group’s recommendations are slated for early next year, he said.
Dr Koh said the Government will also focus on growing the economy, helping businesses thrive and creating good jobs.
It will work on transforming the workforce to meet business needs; expanding access to talent worldwide that complements the workforce; uplifting the human resources profession; and reducing compliance burden.
