The new Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) will better integrate skills development, employment facilitation and career progression, but lower-wage workers must benefit meaningfully from this, said MP Melvin Yong in parliament on Tuesday (May 5). He urged the agency to align training pathways closely with Progressive Wage Model (PWM) job ladders so that workers can clearly see how skills upgrading leads to wage progression. He also called for more workplace-based training. Mr Yong asked how the SWDA intends to help companies, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises in PWM sectors, make productivity improvements to ensure sustained wage growth. In supporting individuals returning to work, he said it must include not only caregivers, but also workers who have experienced injury or sudden illness.
