Introduction

In today's job market, the struggle to fill certain positions despite having qualified candidates available is a significant concern for many industries in Singapore. 

According to a report on "Job Vacancies 2024" published by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), Non-PMET (28.5%) vacancies remain more challenging to fill as compared to PMET vacancies (20%). In 2023, almost half (44.4%) of all vacant non-PMET roles left unfilled for six months were in Transportation and Storage (17.3), Food and Beverage Services (16.9%), Manufacturing (10.2%) sectors. Jobs such as waiter (10.4% of all non-PMET positions vacant for six months or more), cleaner (7.9%), receptionist, customer service & information clerk (5.1%), healthcare assistant (4.9%), and bus driver (4.6%) ranked among the leading non-PMET roles left unfilled for at least six months.

Despite a pool of qualified candidates, industries struggle to attract suitable candidates for critical vacancies. This article explores the challenges faced by employers in filling these roles and suggests steps to address them.

1. Skills Mismatch

Appendix 1: Non-PMET Increase/Decrease in Demand from 2018 to 2023

Many positions, especially in specialised fields like crane operation or childcare teaching, require specific skill sets that may be hard to find locally. This creates fierce competition for talent within the limited talent pool. For instance, roles in healthcare demand candidates with the ability to work shifts and handle patients and their families effectively, posing challenges in finding suitable candidates.

Steps to Address:

• Utilise government grants and incentives like the Productivity Solutions Grant to adopt technology solutions and equipment, streamlining manual processes.
• Leverage the SkillFuture Enterprise Credit to invest in employees' learning and development, ensuring a future-ready workforce.
• Collaborate with educational institutions and training providers to develop tailored programs that address skill gaps in the workforce.

For further insights, refer to Appendix 1 showcasing the Non-PMET Increase/Decrease in Demand from 2018 to 2023.

Aging Workforce

Singapore is grappling with the challenges posed by its rapidly aging population, where a significant portion of the workforce is approaching retirement age. As of 2020, 25% of resident workers are aged 55 and above, reflecting the nation's remarkable healthcare and living standards, contributing to an average life expectancy of 83.6 years.

However, declining birth rates and slow population growth indicate a concerning trend - fewer young individuals are entering the workforce compared to previous years. Consequently, the limited pool of prime-working age adults will be inadequate to replace the number of older individuals leaving the workforce, resulting in a reduction in the available labour supply.

To counter the impact of this demographic shift on job vacancies, employers are urged to adopt senior hiring strategies and capitalise on support packages tailored for senior workers, such as the Senior Worker Support Package by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM). This comprehensive package includes initiatives like:

1) Senior Employment Credit

Offers wage offsets to incentivise the hiring of Singaporean workers aged 55 and above, earning up to $4,000 per month.

2) CPF Transition Offset

Encourages the hiring of senior workers aged 55 to 70, providing wage offsets equivalent to half of the increase in employer Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution.

3) Part-Time Re-employment Grant

Supports employers by providing funding to those who commit to offering part-time re-employment opportunities to eligible senior workers upon request.

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Conclusion 

Addressing the challenge of unfilled job positions in Singapore requires a multifaceted approach. 

By understanding skills mismatches, aligning salary expectations, and implementing initiatives to support senior workers, employers can enhance their ability to attract and retain talent, driving growth and innovation in Singapore's dynamic economy.

Ready to overcome hiring challenges and find the right talent for your organisation? Start exploring opportunities on FastJobs today!

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