As one of the world’s leading maritime hub, Singapore has over 5,000 maritime establishments with around 170,000 employees and the sector contributes to about 7% of Singapore’s overall Gross Domestic Product.

The global and diverse nature of the maritime industry creates jobs for both seafaring and shore-based workers. Jobseekers interested in international trade can explore commercial (e.g., ship charterers, shipbrokers), operational (e.g., vessel operators) or technical (e.g., marine surveyor) roles at sea transport companies and maritime service providers.

The Career Conversion Programme (CCP) for the Sea Transport Sector thus aims to lower the barrier to entry for mid-career individuals as well as existing employees to move into new or enhanced roles in the Sea Transport sector.  The programme provides employers with funding to reskill these individuals, equipping them with skills, knowledge and competencies required for their new or expanded role. Besides the traditional maritime roles, the CCP also covers functions in the growing maritime digitalisation, maritime decarbonisation and maritime cybersecurity space.

Managed by the Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI) and Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), employers looking to optimise and create higher quality roles for their existing employees can tap on the same programme and funding.

Archetypes of Individuals suitable for the programme

1. Individuals who are joining the Sea Transport sector from a non- Sea Transport sector (inter-sector conversion), or joining a company in the same Sea Transport sector under a different job role (intra-sector conversion).
2. Individuals who are switching to a different or expanded role within the Sea Transport sector.
3. Individuals who are currently employed in the Sea Transport sector and will be embarking on a new or expanded or redesigned role within the same company. 

Eligibility Criteria for Individuals

• Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident aged 21 and above.
• Must not have prior working experience or be in similar job role in previous employment.
• Cannot be shareholders of the participating company or its related entities, and/or related to the owners/shareholders of the participating company.
• New hires must have graduated or completed NS, whichever is later, for at least two years at the point of application.
• New hires must apply and kickstart their CCP within first 3 months from their start date (company must nominate).
• Existing employees to be onboard JRR CCP must be in service for at least a year from date of application.

Eligibility Criteria for Companies

• Registered or incorporated in Singapore.
• Must be able to offer employment directly related to the job which the CCP is for, with remuneration that is commensurate with the market rate.
• Commit to the CCP training arrangements for the employees or mid-career new hires whom they have selected to enroll in the programme.
• Be committed to work with ASMI/SSA on the necessary administrative matters related to the programme.
• For applications for JR Reskilling CCPs, companies are required to submit details of their business transformation plan for evaluation by WSG.

The CCP comprises two modalities, namely:

During the programme, individuals will undergo a structured CCP training programme: 100% on-the-job training (OJT). ASMI/SSA will work with participating employer to customise the training programme for the individual based on the company’s business and manpower needs.

Funding Rates

Salary support for the duration of the programme will be reimbursed to the employers at the following rates, subject to funding availability and approval:

*Note

• For trainees who commence training from 1 April 2024
• For trainees who commence training before 1 April 2024, the funding is capped at $4,000 and $6,000 for Standard Rate and Enhanced Rate, respectively.