SINGAPORE : A survey conducted by the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) has found that workers earned higher salaries after going through CDAC-sponsored courses. Their salary increments ranged from S$167 to S$208.

To help more workers attend skills training courses, the criteria for CDAC's Skills Training Award has been revised.

From January, families with a monthly household income of S$2,500 or a per capita income of S$650 will qualify for the scheme.

Previously, applicants under 35 had to have a monthly salary not exceeding S$1,500 or a household monthly income of over S$2,000. Those above 35 had to have a monthly household salary not exceeding S$2,500.

Applicants will no longer be subject to age restrictions, but they will have to be Chinese Singaporeans or Permanent Residents who have attained GCE 'O' Levels or lower.

The CDAC said it will be pumping in S$300,000 more into next year's budget to help fund the changes.

It hopes to give 30 per cent more workers the opportunity to have 95 per cent of their training subsidised. - CNA/ms