Integrating Mature Talents: An Insight into Mid-Career Pathway Programme

The Mid-Career Pathway Programme (MCPP) is a government-backed initiative designed to assist Mid-Career Individuals aged 40 and above in re-skilling and finding new job opportunities. Through structured attachments provided by host organisations, the programme allows experienced professionals to acquire new skills and knowledge, while offering employers the advantage of a skilled and motivated workforce.

Businesses interested in MCPP can get assistance on the following with AccountStaff:

• • Preparation of the necessary documentation for programme application.
  • Trainee Onboarding.
  • Claim submission to Singapore Business Federation (SBF).

What is MCPP? 

MCPP is a full-time attachment programme for mature Mid-Career Individuals aged 40 and above who are seeking a career transition. Suitable applicants will be attached to a host organisation to gain meaningful, industry-relevant skills and experience. Attachments typically last between four and six months.  

What can candidates expect? 

Mature individuals can anticipate a full-time role of at least 12 months with their host organisation if their performance is deemed to be satisfactory in the period of the attachment.. 

Key Eligibility for Host Organisations: 

All host organisations must fulfil the following criteria to qualify for the Mid-Career Pathways Programme: 

• Be registered or incorporated in Singapore. 
  
  
• Offer attachments with a duration between four to six months. 
  
  
• Provide clear attachment descriptions and development plans that outline sufficient developmental opportunities for the mid-career individuals during the attachment period. These must be approved by the appointed programme manager. 
  
  
• Co-funding 30% of the training allowance for the duration of the attachment. 
  
  
• Availability to convert and hire the mid-career individual by the end of the attachment, subject to satisfactory performance during the course of the attachment. 
  
  
• Able to pay the same or higher salary upon early or post-attachment conversion. 

How are Host Organisations benefitting from MCPP? 

Host organisations can effectively widen their talent pool and strengthen their workforce with experienced professionals. By offering comprehensive attachment descriptions and meaningful development opportunities, organisations enable mature mid-career individual to share their valuable expertise while acquiring new skills. This mutually beneficial arrangement increases the likelihood of converting successful trainees into full-time employees, enriching the organisation’s talent base. 

With successful conversions of talent, participants of MCPP will receive a monthly training allowance ranging between $1,800 and $3,800, alleviating financial pressures and enabling the focus on skills development. Successful performance during the attachment can lead to full-time employment, supported by government co-funding of 70% of the total allowance, making it a valuable initiative for mature professionals. 

Funding and Incentives

As an incentive to early conversions of trainees, host organisations will continue to receive training allowance subsidies from Workforce Singapore (WSG) for the converted trainees, on the condition that the trainee has completed at least three months of the attachment. The approved monthly allowance may vary depending on the scope of the attachment proposed by the host organisation. 

How can AccountStaff help?

Common FAQs on Mid-Career Pathway Programme 

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for host Organisations under the MCPP?
 
A: Host organisations must be registered or incorporated in Singapore. Eligible entities include Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). 

Q: Is the funding for four to six months before converting to a permanent position? 

A: Yes, the funding only covers the attachment period between four to six months. Upon completion, the host organisation is expected to offer the Mid-Career Individual a full-time position, on the condition that their performance is satisfactory.  

Q: Does the mid-career individual need to go for any external training for the host organisation to qualify for the support? 

A: The training during the attachment is typically on-the-job with the host organisation, where the individual learns directly from the trainer. Any external training required will be at the discretion of the host organisation.

Q: Must the mid-career Individual come from the same industry/sector as the host organisation? 

A: No, mid-career individuals do not need to come from the same industry/sector as the host organisation. 

Q: Does the Employment Act apply in the programme? 

A: The Employment Act does not directly apply in this instance. However, host organisations and mid-career individuals participating in the programme are required to adhere to the terms and conditions stated in the Training Agreement.

Q: Are host organisations expected to provide annual and medical leave during the attachment?

A: It is not mandatory for host organisations to provide annual or medical leave during the attachment. However, host organisations have the discretion to offer such leave to approved mid-career individuals. The conditions must be stated in the Training Agreement, which will be signed by both the host organisation and the mid-career individual.

Q: For conversion, can the full-time position be for a period of 12 months subject to renewal? 

A: For conversion, a host organisation can offer a 12-month contract with CPF contribution. Note the salary offered should be equal or higher than the monthly stipend during the attachment. 

Does your business need help with MCPP applications? Contact us at:

Tan Sock Huan 
Director – Contract Staffing and Recruitment Services
Contact: +65 6594 7947
Email: SGUP_SBF_AS@rsmsingapore.sg