Budget 2015 - Training providers expect higher demand for courses. Boost likely with SkillsFuture push, but experts warn quality could suffer.

28 Feb, 2015

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Training providers expect higher demand for courses
Boost likely with SkillsFuture push, but experts warn quality could suffer

Published on Feb 28, 2015 6:01 AM

Training providers are planning to ramp up capacity to cope with a likely rise in demand after a range of SkillsFuture initiatives were announced to help workers deepen their skills. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

By Joanna Seow And Amelia Tan

Training providers are planning to ramp up capacity to cope with a likely rise in demand after new moves were introduced to encourage lifelong learning.

New grants and higher subsidies have been introduced to encourage workers to take on training to sharpen their skills, and training firms expect to see more workers sign up for programmes.

"We are looking to expand our range of courses to include more workers, whether it's back-to- work women, or job-hunters young and old," said Mr Suhaimi Salleh, chief executive of SSA Consulting Group, which runs courses on workplace literacy.

Infocomm technology trainer Lithan Hall Academy is planning to offer more courses in emerging areas such as big data analytics, said its chairman Leslie Loh.

The expected boost to the training industry comes after a range of SkillsFuture initiatives were announced earlier this week, to help workers deepen their skills.