Grow with Google set to train 3,000 job seekers in Singapore

Google, in a collaboration with the government of Singapore has announced the launch of a new Grow with Google programme, that will provide new job and skills training for 3,000 Singaporean job seekers.

The programme, known as Skills Ignition SG – A Grow With Google Programme is designed for entry-level and mid-career job seekers based in Singapore.

The programme aims to boost employment rates among job seekers and improve their employability outcomes.

This initiative also aims to provide vital industry experience amid a challenging labour market during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme will provide two six-month full-time training courses in digital marketing and cloud technology for up to 2,400 mid-career professionals.

These courses will provide industry-relevant skills to boost employability in the information technology sector.

Programme applicants who choose to obtain skills in Digital Marketing through this scheme will require a Bachelor’s degree; or a minimum of three years of work experience in marketing or a related digital field.

Alternatively, applicants may also be eligible for the Digital Marketing if they possess a polytechnic diploma and a minimum of one year of work experience in marketing or a related digital field.

Applicants who choose to upskill themselves in Cloud Technology will be required to either have a diploma or degree in IT or Computer Science with a basic understanding of computers, networks, and infrastructure.

Participants who have Google’s IT Support Technician and IT Automation with Python certifications will also be eligible for the programme.

The programme also offers a free place and train programme for 600 applicants which will go on for nine months.

The place and train programme will be open to all Singaporean graduates, professionals, and job seekers.

Successful applicants will receive a monthly salary while undergoing the training programme.

Participants will experience three months of online vocational training before moving on to six months of hands-on work experience with employers.

The programme partner, Google will open 100 positions in Singapore while the remaining 500 positions will be supported by Google’s key partners.

The programme will be led by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), in support of the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package.

Commenting on the programme launch, Singapore’s minister for communications and information, S Iswaran said, “Covid-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge for Singapore, affecting our lives and livelihoods. In this uncertain environment, the government’s over-riding economic priority is to create jobs and opportunities for our people, and I am encouraged that companies, such as Google, are also stepping up to join us in this critical national effort.”

Iswaran added that Google’s collaboration with EDB, IMDA, and SSG, will help close to 3,000 fresh graduates and mid-career professionals secure jobs, advance their skills and start a fulfilling career in the ICT sector, which remains one of the bright spots in Singapore’s economy.