Meet Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) Training Requirements for Administrators and Drivers with WSQ Courses
Does your company employ foreign workers while also hiring Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs) for roles such as drivers or administrators? Are you aware that these employees are expected to complete a WSQ course to fulfill the mandatory training requirement specified by OPW?
Understanding OPW
The National Wages Council (NWC) has established Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) to enhance the skills, productivity, and minimum wages of workers. Individuals in administrative and driving positions are classified under the OPW category and are mandated to undergo training, either through WSQ or in-house courses, as part of the OPW requirement.
As of March 1, 2023, companies are required to fulfill the OPW requirements to renew current work passes or apply for new ones.
Training Requirements for Administrators and Drivers under OPW
Employers are required to ensure that their Singapore citizens and PR administrators and drivers fulfill the OPW training requirements by:
- Either obtaining a minimum of one Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Statement of Attainment, with the flexibility to choose any WSQ course; or
- Completing an in-house training program.
Who is Covered Under OPW?
The OPW requirement applies to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) who:
- Work in administrative or driving positions, whether full-time or part-time, under a contract of service, and
- Are employed by companies that also employ foreign workers.
Employers are granted a grace period to fulfill the OPW training requirements:
- For newly hired employees: six months from the date of their employment.
WSQ Courses We Offer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) entail for administrators and drivers?
The OPW, established by the National Wages Council, features a three-tier career advancement structure for administrators and a two-tier career progression model for drivers.
Are there any consequences if my company fails to meet the requirements?
If your company does not meet the requirements, it will not be able to apply for or renew the work passes of current employees.
How can I ensure my employees are covered under OPW?
You can refer to the OPW job descriptions available on MOM's website to verify if your employees' job scopes are covered.
Where can I find additional details about OPW?
For further information, please visit MOM's website.
What are the advantages of selecting a WSQ course over conducting in-house training to fulfill the OPW training requirements?
Employers can conduct in-house training if they are an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), but it must align with training objectives, modality, key tasks, and duration to meet requirements.
For companies lacking the time or resources to conduct their own in-house training, WSQ courses offer a viable alternative to meet OPW training requirements. Any WSQ course is acceptable.
Info-Tech's WSQ courses are specifically designed to provide workers with a strong foundation, updated knowledge, and hands-on skills that are necessary for their roles. Explore our WSQ courses for more details.