Inaugural skills fair held for disabled persons to increase career awareness

SINGAPORE — Career advisory services, grooming tips and talks from industry players are all part of the inaugural Skills Training Fair organised by SG Enable, to allow persons with disabilities to understand trade skills and the training available to upgrade themselves, to broaden their gainful employment opportunities.

Held at the Lifelong Learning Institute today (Sept 23), the fair is open to all Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents who are seeking employment and are persons with sensory, physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Through the fair, participants can better understand the skills required in various industries by attending talks conducted by five participating organisations that will give them insights into the different sectors and on-the-spot complimentary career advisory services by SG Enable career coaches are also provided to help them better explore their job opportunities.

A wide slew of courses ranging from industry skills training like hospitality and F&B, to foundation skills training like IT and work preparation workshops will also be offered by training providers on-site. Participants can sign up for the courses at the fair, which SG Enable will subsidise up 100 per cent if they meet the individual programme criteria after interview assessments.

Other than that, participants will be able to pick up grooming tips on how to look present themselves and will be invited to a complimentary photo shoot at the booth, which photos can be used for their future job applications.

“We hope to encourage more persons with disabilities to come forward to enhance their employability and explore wider employment options through our customised training initiatives,” said Ms Ku Geok Boon, chief executive officer of SG Enable.

“We are encouraged by the increasing number of companies who hire persons with disabilities as a viable source of manpower to augment their workforce. Often, with the right skills, opportunities, workplace accommodation and support, persons with disabilities have proved that they can be equal or even exemplary contributors in the workforce,”

The SG Enable Skills Training Fair is offered under the $30 million Open Door Programme launched in April and is supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).