NTUC Transport & Logistics Services Cluster helped 700 workers secure better jobs and better wages through training programme for Class 3 and Class 4 driving licences

Cluster also Introduces Two New Place-and-Train Programme for the 
Logistics Specialists and Operation Executives

At the NTUC Learning Journey to YCH Group, the Labour Movement's Transport & Logistics Services Cluster (TLSC) provided updates for the Training Programme for Class 3 and 4 Driving Licences which was launched in July last year. As part of the cluster's efforts to improve wages of low-wage workers progressively and develop a strong Singaporean core in the industry, the training programme aims to help low-wage workers who are currently working in the transport and logistics services sector, and attract those who are not, to join the sector. Through this programme, they will receive help in getting the Class 3 or Class 4 driving licence faster and be placed in transport and logistics-related jobs. 

Under the Class 3 Licence Programme, more than 170 workers have obtained their driving licences while 800 are still undergoing training. About 20 per cent of these workers who were unemployed have secured jobs in the transport and logistics industry with a starting salary of at least $1,500. The remaining ones who were employed had their job scopes enlarged, with driving as part of their roles, or were tasked to drive larger vehicles. These workers enjoyed a pay increase from below $1,440 to $1,700.

Under the Class 4 Licence Programme, 525 workers have obtained their licences. Out of which, 206 employed ones have gotten their pay increased to more than $2,120 from between $1,700 to $1,800. More than 45 per cent of the remaining ones who were unemployed have been placed into jobs in the transport and logistics industry and are earning more than $1,800.

As the programme has garnered pleasing results, TLSC has secured another 2,000 training places for Class 3 driving programme, and this will be rolled out in the last quarter of 2013. 90 per cent of the course fees are funded by the e2i.

Doing more for the Transport and Logistics Industry

While the Cluster has managed to help some 700 low-wage workers through the Training Programme for Class 3 and Class 4 Driving Licences, it also plans to do more to extend the scope of reach to other workers. A new Place-n-Train programme for the Logistics Specialists and Operation Executives will be put in place to up-skill more Singaporeans and Singaporean PRs with the logistics domain knowledge to join the Supply Chain Industry.

The Place-and-Train (PnT) Logistics Specialists programme targets locals with at least 'N' level qualification and has a starting salary of at least $1,600. Participating employers who recruit new candidates as Logistics Specialists under the PnT will be eligible for funding support from Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and e2i, for 90 per cent of the course fees capped at $1,080 per trainee. Each trainee also gets a $400 training allowance per month, up to six months. The participating company is required to put the new hirer through classroom training and a three-month On-the-Job-Training.

The Place-and-Train (PnT) Logistics Operation Executives programme, targets local mid-career PMEs (Professionals, Managers and Executives) with Diploma qualification and has a starting salary of at least $2,500 hired as an Operation Executive. They will be put through a three-month Diploma Certification and a three-month On-the-Job-Training. The programme supports 50 per cent of the course fees, capped at $2,750 per trainee and $1,000 per month in training allowance up to six months.

'The Transport & Logistics Services Cluster is working very closely with e2i to help build up the Singaporean Core in the industry by putting in place different types of training courses for our workers. Our first one for the low-wage workers has worked well. Going forward, we hope to do more by extending the scope of assistance and outreach to more workers, including the PMEs,' concluded Ms Jessie Yeo, Cluster Lead for NTUC Transport & Logistics Services Cluster.

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Training Programme for Class 3 & Class 4 Driving Licences

Programme Eligibility

• Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Residents
• 21 years and above
• Able to read a distance of 25 metre & above
•  Do not suffer from color blindness
•  Physically and mentally alert
• Have not accumulated more than 12 Demerit Points under Driver Improvement Points System (DIPS) and/ or must not have any class(es) of Qualified Driving Licence / Provisional Driving Licence under revocation, disqualification or suspension.
• Those without an English pass in PSLE or Workplace Literacy (WPL) level 2 and below will be required to attend WPL course before being considered for the driving course.

Programme is ONLY open to unemployed and low wage workers:

• If employed: Earn $1,700 or less a month or have $1,400 or less per household capita income
• If unemployed: Unemployed for 3 months or more and actively looking for a job

What is required from you?

• Able to enroll in person at the Driving Center within 1 week of the stipulated period and pay 10% of the total course fees (up to $231) and $25 for the Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) upon enrollment

     *Excl $50 for Qualified Driving Licence, payable by trainees upon passing of the Course

• Attend 100% of all classes and assessments
• Complete the programme within 6 months
• Commit to put the Class 3 driving licence to enhance your employability

Programme Funding include

• Enrolment fee
• Theory lessons
• 1 attempt each for Basic and Final theory Tests fees
• Practical Driving lessons based on non-peak hours for the following:
• 21 practical lessons, 120 mins each @SSDC
• 25 practical lessons, 100 mins each @BBDC
• 25 practical lessons, 100 mins each @CDC
• 1 attempt for Practical Driving test

Things required for enrollment

• NRIC or Passport
• Spectacles  (if needed)
• e2i Letter of Undertaking (LOU)
• Payment of $201.00 - $231

Funding support for Class 3 License will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Place-and-Train for Logistics Specialists 

Funding Support

Participating employers who recruit new candidates as Logistics Specialists under the PnT will be eligible for funding support from Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) up to 6 months, and have more locals to fill in their vacancies as Logistic Specialists.

The programme supports:

i. 90% Course Fees (Classroom & OJT), capped at $1,080 per trainee; and

ii. $400 Training Allowances up to 6 months during traineeship period.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, companies shall commit to:

i. Offer full-time employment to Singaporean or Singaporean Permanent Resident with a minimum starting salary of $1,600;

ii. Submit a structured on-the-job training (OJT) plan, including the scope and training hours; to monitor the outcome of the training; and a training progress report at the end of each training period;

iii. Have at least one review with the new recruit on his/her progress, during the 3-month OJT period;

iv. Retain new recruit for at least 3 months after OJT period; and

v. Provide supporting documents such as pay slips and training records to claim the Course Fees and Training Allowance. These documents are to be made available to e2i at all times upon request.

Programme Details

The participating company is required to put the new hirer through classroom training and a 3 months OJT. The classroom training shall be conducted by either a Singapore Institute of Materials Management (SIMM).

Place-and-Train for Logistics Operation Executives

Funding Support

Participating employers who recruit new candidates as Logistics Operation Executives under the PnT will be eligible for funding support from Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) up to 6 months, and have more locals to fill in their vacancies as Operation Executives.

The programme supports:

i  50% Course Fees (Classroom & OJT), capped at $2,750 per trainee; and
ii $1,000 Training Allowances per month of up to 6 months during traineeship period.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, companies shall commit to:

1. Offer full-time employment to Singaporean or Singaporean Permanent Resident with a minimum starting salary of $2,500;
2. i.     Submit a structured on-the-job training (OJT) plan, including the scope and training hours; to monitor the outcome of the training; and a training progress report at the end of each training period;
3. ii.    Have at least one review with the new recruit on his/her progress, during the 3-month OJT period;
4. v.   Provide supporting documents such as pay slips and training records to claim the Course Fees and Training Allowance. These documents are to be made available to e2i at all times upon request. 

Programme Details

The participating company is required to put the new hirer through a 3 months full-time classroom training and a 3 months OJT. The classroom training shall be conducted by Singapore Institute of Materials Management (SIMM). Please refer to Annex A on the course syllabus for Executive Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

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