More SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) in Singapore are sending their staff for workplace training but roadblocks for upskilling persist, according to research from continuing education and training centre NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) LearningHub.

NTUC LearningHub saw a 75% increase in the number of SME training places from March 2020 to March 2021 . In particular, training areas such as Information Technology (IT) and Adaptive Skills courses saw an increase in the number of SME training places by 67% and 56% respectively. NTUC LHUB observes that many SMEs require workers who are digital-ready and adaptive amid the ever-changing business landscape.

However, when asked about their intention to send their staff for training, SMEs (49%) are the least likely to do so, as compared to MNCs (multinational corporations) (30%) and large private Singapore Companies (25%). 

NTUC LHUB's Head of ICT Isa Nasser said, "It is heartening to see that many SMEs are sending more staff for training. However, many operationally-intense companies find that time constraints and the lack of resources are major roadblocks for upskilling. While the desire for SMEs to train and upskill their workforce is apparent, those who do not have the right set-ups in place are disadvantaged."

According to the NTUC, when asked about the likelihood to pursue upskilling by leveraging government support schemes, SMEs (49%) are most likely to do so, as compared to private sector multinational corporations (36%) and large private Singapore companies (33%).