264,000 workers committed to SPUR in last one year
By S.Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 December 2009 1631 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE: The Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) has achieved a significant milestone in helping workers upgrade their skills and find jobs since it was launched in December 2008.

The Workforce Development Agency said between 1 December 2008 to 31 November 2009, 264,000 workers have committed to SPUR training.

Two-thirds have either started or completed their training. More than two-thirds are rank-and-file workers, while the rest are Professionals, Managers and Executives (PMEs).

WDA added that 4,000 companies have tapped on SPUR and 42,000 job seekers have found jobs under SPUR.

About half or S$350 million of the SPUR budget has also been committed thus far. There are over 2,400 courses under SPUR.

Assessing the effectiveness of the scheme, Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said: "SPUR has helped companies save jobs and unemployed workers find jobs during the recession. With the economy recovering, it is all the more imperative to stay focused on CET, which remains a national manpower priority.

"The government will continue to help companies and workers improve long-term employability and workforce competitiveness for sustained and inclusive economic growth."

Mr Gan said the SPUR programme will continue for another year as planned. And he urged companies to stay on the programme to raise the skills and employability of workers. - CNA/vm