NTUC launches initiative with industry partners to provide greater support for SMEs
These firms and their workers can tap transformation schemes, grants and job redesign assistance, among others
[SINGAPORE] The labour movement is partnering industry groups to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), via the new National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) SME Partners Multiplier Programme.
Launched on Thursday (Sep 11), the initiative brings together various collaborators – such as industry associations, trade bodies and business clans – to help connect SME members and their workers with NTUC programmes and support.
Known as “Multipliers”, the participating organisations include the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Singapore Building Materials Suppliers’ Association and LIN Chamber of Commerce.
For participating SMEs, the programme offers access to capability-building and transformation initiatives under the NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) framework.
Firms can tap the NTUC CTC grant to fund up to 70 per cent of costs for projects related to workforce and business transformation.
Additional support includes job redesign assistance, training grants for skills upgrading, and human capital advisory to improve workplace practices. “These will translate to better work prospects and better workplaces for SME workers,” said NTUC.
To help more workers access training and upskilling opportunities, the Multipliers will leverage their community reach. In return, they gain official recognition from NTUC SME Partners as well as access to certain resources, including co-funding for joint initiatives such as capability-building workshops and business transformation clinics.
Beyond direct support, the programme aims to strengthen the representation of SME voices on a national level. The Multipliers will serve as a channel for ground-level insights that can inform NTUC’s efforts in shaping labour policies and training incentives.
“In this way, the programme not only delivers tangible benefits for workers and businesses, but also contributes to shaping the SME sector through (a) collective industry voice, ensuring that the unique challenges faced by SME workers and employers are heard and addressed,” said NTUC.
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