This page contains public information on SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme (Traineeships) for employers / companies, for mid-career jobseekers go to this page instead. Information is directly from Workforce Singapore (WSG), for latest updates you can go to WSG’s website.

About SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme (Traineeships)

The SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programme was introduced to support mid-career individuals to widen their professional networks and gain new, in-demand skills while preparing for more permanent jobs in the future Host organisations can take mid-career individuals on attachment through the Enterprise Attachment track. 

Benefits

Host organisations can fill these positions with mid-career individuals who bring with them a wealth of work experience. Upon completion of the attachment, host organisations may consider hiring well-performing individuals as permanent employees when business conditions improve and when they have greater confidence to hire.

Training Allowance

The Government will fund 80% of the training allowance, while the host organisation funds the remaining 20% for the programme duration. The monthly training allowance provided may vary depending on the scope of the attachment.

Estimated Monthly Training Allowance	$1,400 – $3,000
Government Funding of 80%	$1,120 – $2,400

Eligibility Criteria

All host companies must fulfil the following criteria:

1. Host organisation must be registered or incorporated in Singapore;
2. Offer attachments lasting up to 9 months (Attachments must commence by 31^st March 2021)
3. Provide clear attachment descriptions and development plans that would provide mid-career individuals with meaningful developmental opportunities during the attachment period, subject to approval by the appointed programme manager.
4. Co-fund 20% of the training allowance for the duration of the attachment

Host organisations can only take on Singaporeans and Permanent Residents for this programme, with the exception of recent graduates who should apply for SGUnited Traineeships instead.

How to Apply

Organisations interested to be host organisations can fill up this Interest Form*. The appointed Programme Manager, Singapore Business Federation (SBF), will follow up on the application process thereafter.

In the meantime, organisations are not to post the attachment positions or use #SGUP on MyCareersFuture.sg until the application has been approved by SBF.

* Do note that submission of the Interest Form for SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Enterprise Attachment track does not guarantee approval for the requested positions. Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SBF reserves the right to adjust the support duration and number of approved positions to be allocated, based on industry demand.

How to post on INTERNSG

Apart from posting on mycareersfuture.sg, companies can also post your listings on INTERNSG with hashtag #SGUP in the job title, this will give your position better exposure to potential candidates. Once the attachment is offered and accepted, the host company must inform Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to begin the attachment. The host company must update the mycareersfuture.sg posting and indicate that the opportunity has been filled.

Employer’s Questions

What is SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Enterprise Attachment?

The SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programme was introduced to support mid-career individuals to widen their professional networks and gain new, in-demand skills while preparing for more permanent jobs in the future. Mid-career individuals on the Enterprise Attachment track can gain meaningful industry-relevant experience by being attached to a host organisation. Host organisations can fill these positions with mid-career individuals who bring with them a wealth of work experience. Upon completion of the attachment, Host organisations may consider hiring well-performing individuals as permanent employees when business conditions improve and when they have greater confidence to hire.

What are the requirements for an organisation to be eligible as a Host Organisation for SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme?

Host organisations that meet the following eligibility criteria can apply for the programme:

• Host organisation must be registered or incorporated in Singapore*;
• Offer attachments ranging from a few months to 9 months (Attachments must commence by 31st March 2021)
• Provide clear attachment descriptions and development plans that would provide mid-career individuals with meaningful developmental opportunities during the attachment period, subject to approval by the appointed programme manager.
• Co-fund 20% of the training allowance for the duration of the attachment

*This includes Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Multi-national Corporations (MNCs), Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), Non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and Non-Profit organisations.

What is the funding rate for SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Enterprise Attachment?

The government will fund 80% of the training allowance while the host organisation funds the remaining 20%. Host organisations are to provide a monthly training allowance of up to $3,000 a month. The monthly training allowance provided may vary depending on the scope of the attachment.

Estimated Monthly Training Allowance	$1,400 – $3,000
Government Funding of 80%	$1,120 – $2,400

Who can Host organisations take on the attachments to be offered under this SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme?

All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are eligible for the programme, with the exception of recent graduates who should apply for the SGUnited Traineeships Programme instead.

Must the mid-career individuals be unemployed to be eligible for this SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme?

The programme is targeted to assist unemployed mid-career individuals. Participants should be able to commit to the programme on a full-time basis, at the point when they start the programme.

How many mid-career individuals can a host organisation take on?

The number of attachments accorded to each host organisation will be evaluated and approved by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), based on the submitted development plans and the ability to provide mid-career individuals with meaningful growth opportunities.

Are host organisations able to offer monetary benefits (ie bonuses) and overtime?

Discretionary goodwill benefits are to be non-monetary only. As attached mid-career individuals are not employees, they will not be entitled to bonuses or eligible for overtime/shift pay. But host organisations are allowed to provide them with transport or meals allowances on a reimbursement basis (with proof of receipts). Do note that these allowances are not covered under the 80% funding and would be at the host organisations’ cost.

Will host organisations have to make CPF contributions for attached mid-career individuals? Are attached mid-career individuals eligible for Job Support Scheme (JSS) payouts?

As this is an attachment programme, and there is no employment relationship between the attached mid-career individuals and host organisations, host organisations do not pay CPF. If there is intention to contribute CPF and establish an employment relationship, then such arrangements will not be eligible for funding under the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways – Enterprise Attachment programme. As attached mid-career individuals are not considered employees, host organisations will not receive JSS payouts for them.

Will host organisations have to provide Annual and Sick Leave entitlements to the attached mid-career individual during the programme period?

As this is an attachment where there is no employer-employee relationship, host organisations are not obliged to offer employee benefits to attached mid-career individuals. Host organisations may choose to offer non-monetary benefits on a discretionary goodwill basis.

Will there be any deduction to the attached mid-career individual’s training allowance if he/she takes more than the proposed annual leave accorded during the programme period?

Host organisations may exercise the right to deduct the mid-career individual’s training allowance proportionately for such instances but will need to inform Singapore Business Federation (SBF) in their monthly submissions. Workforce Singapore (WSG) will fund 80% of the revised Training Allowance after deduction.

During the course of the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme – Enterprise Attachment, can a Host Organisation terminate the attachment?

In the event of unforeseen circumstances or unsuitable attached mid-career individual fit, host organisations can terminate the attachment while providing sufficient notice to the mid-career individual, as stipulated in the training agreement. They should seek approval from Singapore Business Federation (SBF), our programme partner, with an explanation for terminating the attachment. Likewise, attached mid-career individuals are also allowed to leave the attachment at any time if there are good reasons to do so (e.g. managed to secure a full-time job) and while providing sufficient notice. Government funding for the training allowance will be provided for the duration of the fulfilled attachment.

How will the 80% Government Funding for the training allowance be provided?

Host organisations are required to pay out the monthly training allowance to attached mid-career individuals on a monthly basis. Correspondingly, Singapore Business Federation (SBF) will reimburse the government co-funded portion of the training allowance on a monthly basis to the host organisations on the programme.

Can a host organisation submit a training allowance claim every 3 months instead of monthly?

The programme follows a monthly reimbursement model unless otherwise stipulated.

Can a host organisation offer attached mid-career individuals a full-time role during the course of the attachment?

Yes, host organisations can offer their attached mid-career individuals with a full-time role, if they find the individual’s performance satisfactory. When a full-time position is offered by the host organisation, the attachment should be terminated before entering any employer-employee relationship. Host organisations will then need to inform Singapore Business Federation (SBF) of this development and when the formal full-time employment arrangement will begin. Government funding for the training allowance will be provided for the duration of the fulfilled attachment.

What is the maximum/minimum duration of an attachment programme?

Host organisations can offer an attachment of up to 9 months. Host organisations will be given a duration of about 2 months to take on suitable mid-career individuals from their application approval. We encourage all host organisations to provide an attachment for a period of at least 4 months to ensure mid-career individuals are able to have a meaningful attachment and take away industry-related skills. All attachments must begin by 31st March 2021.

Can the attachment period be extended during the programme?

No. The attachments cannot be extended as the duration was assessed based on approved plans. Host organisations may wish to consider hiring the mid-career individuals if there are more roles for the mid-career individual to undertake and/or tap on other available Government grants for immediate hiring needs.

How can my organisation come onboard as a Host Organisation?

Organisations interested to be host organisations to take on mid-career individuals on attachments, can fill up this Interest Form. The appointed Programme Manager, Singapore Business Federation (SBF), will get in touch with organisations on the application process thereafter. (Note: Submission of the Interest Form for SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways – Enterprise Attachment Programme does not guarantee approval for the requested positions. Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SBF reserves the right to adjust the support duration and number of approved positions to be allocated, based on industry demand.)

When can my organisation start the attachment programme?

Attachments can commence after the following is in place:

1. Host Organisation’s application for attachments positions has been approved by Singapore Business Federation (SBF)
2. Host Organisation posts the attachment positions on mycareersfuture.sg portal and selects suitable applicants
3. Attachment agreement has been accepted and signed by the successful candidate(s)
4. Attachment positions on mycareersfuture.sg portal updated with successful candidates’ selection
5. Letter of Offer for SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways – Enterprise Attachment programme issued by Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to the host organisation

Can my organisation select a mid-career individual who may be on a temp/contract role at the point of application but wish to join us under the programme?

Host Organisations can consider shortlisting mid-career individuals who have applied to their attachment vacancies but may have existing contractual obligations at the point of application. However, at the point of commencement of the attachment programme, the selected candidate must be able to participate in the attachment programme on a full-time basis, to qualify for funding.

Given the COVID-19 situation, can my organisation do a virtual attachment programme?

Yes, host organisations can develop virtual attachment programmes during this period of time. These will be evaluated by Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to ensure that attachments conducted via this mode still provide meaningful developmental opportunities for the mid-career individuals.

Can my organisation develop my own attachment programme? Are there any guidelines to follow?

Host organisations should propose development plans for the attachments offered. The Development Plan will be assessed by Singapore Business Federation (SBF). Development Plans for the mid-career individuals on attachments should be clearly different from the work done by a regular employee of the host organisation.

Must my organisation post the attachment opportunities on MyCareersFuture.sg (MCF)?

Yes, host organisations must post attachment opportunities on mycareersfuture.sg. From there, host organisations will be able to receive applications from interested mid-career individuals and directly liaise with the applicants.

Apart from posting on mycareersfuture.sg, companies can also post your listings on INTERNSG with hashtag #SGUP in the job title, this will give your position better exposure to potential trainees. Once the attachment is offered and accepted, the host organisation must inform Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to begin the attachment. The host organisation must update the MCF posting and indicate that the opportunity has been filled.

What happens if I am unable to fill up all the attachments requested for? Will there be a penalty?

Host organisations that are unable to take on enough mid-career individuals to meet their approved attachments vacancies will not be penalised, but the funding allocated by Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to the host organisation will be adjusted if the positions are not filled expediently.

Do organisations apply for the programme only when they have found a mid-career individual or should they apply for the programme first and then find the mid-career individuals?

Organisations should apply for the programme first and then find the mid-career individuals via attachments postings on mycareersfuture.sg portal.

Must attachments be conducted in Singapore? Can my organisation send mid-career individuals to overseas offices for training?

Attachments offered by host organisations can be conducted overseas. Such requirements must be made known upfront during the posting of attachment opportunities on mycareersfuture.sg. Host organisations will need to fully bear the cost associated with overseas training. Prevailing national travel advisories and restrictions will still apply.

How will the approved attachment matching and onboarding take place under this programme?

All attachment opportunities will be uploaded on mycareersfuture.sg, which will provide a single point for individuals to apply for. Host organisations can process attachment applications received for their attachment roles based on their selection and shortlisting processes.

Can my company use a 3rd party representative to manage the recruitment of mid-career individuals?

Host organisations are permitted to engage 3rd party vendors under the programme to support their payroll / administrative requirements. Host organisations will still need to enter into a Letter of Offer with Singapore Business Federation (SBF), and into Attachment Agreements with selected mid-career individuals. 3rd party vendors are allowed to assist the host organisation with submission of the payroll documents to SBF to facilitate the disbursement of the training allowance funding support. Do note that the disbursement of funds will be to the host organisation only. Host organisations keen to take up this arrangement may approach SBF for more information.

My organisation is a Group Organisation with many organisations under us, can a mid-career individual be put through attachments with my affiliated organisations?

Mid-career individuals will be tied to a specific host organisation (based on UEN) for the duration of the programme, and the host organisation will be responsible for all attachment arrangements. Requirements for rotation to affiliated organisations must be made known upfront during submission of plans to the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and made clear to prospective applicants when the opportunity is posted on mycareersfuture.sg. SBF and Workforce Singapore (WSG) will conduct regular checks to ensure that host organisations comply fully with approved attachment plans.

Further Queries

Who can I contact if I have more queries on SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programmes?

If there are any further queries on SGUnited Traineeships Programme, submit your query to Workforce Singapore (WSG) here.

Can I contact INTERNSG for more queries on SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programmes?

Singapore Business Federation (SBF) is the appointed Programme Manager for the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programmes and not INTERNSG. For any query with regards to SGUnited Traineeships, you can contact Workforce Singapore (WSG) here.

Can my company post the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways opportunities on INTERNSG?

Yes, apart from posting on mycareersfuture.sg, companies can also post your listings on INTERNSG with hashtag #SGUP in the job title, this will give your position better exposure to potential trainees. Once the position is offered and accepted, the host company must inform Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to begin the attachment. The host company must update the mycareersfuture.sg posting and indicate that the opportunity has been filled.

Is there a place I can discuss more about SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programmes attachment plans or best practices with fellow employers or mid-career individuals?

Yes, Clublance.com is a free community for Singapore interns, freelancers, trainees, part-timers, undergrads, fresh grads and employers. You can join the community if you are interested to discuss attachmeng / training plans, or chit chat on other topics. They also curate numerous resources on internships, news headlines and even deals / promotions for the community.