For many women in Singapore, stepping away from the workforce to care for young children, ageing parents, or for personal reasons is a common and necessary life choice.
But their return to employment can be filled with uncertainty—gaps in technical skills, reduced confidence and difficulty accessing opportunities.
Recognising these challenges, Singapore has established a robust ecosystem of support designed to help women re-enter the workforce and thrive.
One of the cornerstones of Singapore’s return-to-work framework is SkillsFuture, a national initiative that encourages lifelong learning and skills development.
Part of SkillsFuture is the Career Conversion Programme (CCP), administered by Workforce Singapore.
CCPs help mid-career individuals—including women returning from a break—reskill and transition into new sectors with growth potential. These programmes include structured on-the-job training, with salary support provided to employers to incentivise hiring returnees.
The SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme also helps women return to work. The programme supports mid-career individuals in acquiring industry-relevant skills to enhance their employability and transition to new sectors or job roles.
Complementing the CCP is SkillsFuture Credit. Every Singaporean aged 25 and above can use their SkillsFuture Credit to offset the cost of approved training courses. From digital literacy to business management, these courses enable women to update their skills or transition into new industries.
WSG also offers personalised career services through its Careers Connect centres. These include one-on-one career coaching, resume workshops, and access to curated job openings suited for returners.
NTUC also plays a pivotal role in helping women return to the workforce, most notably through NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute).
NTUC’s e2i offers career coaching, job matching, and upskilling opportunities tailored to mid-career professionals.
NTUC’s network of Company Training Committees (CTCs) ensures that training aligns with real workplace needs. The CTC initiative helps businesses drive success by transforming and enhancing employees' hard and soft skills across various industries.
A dedicated unit to support women and families, the NTUC Women and Family has several initiatives to help women re-enter the workforce.
A standout initiative is the C U Back at Work (CUB) programme, a collaboration between the unit and partnering firms. This initiative has paved a meaningful pathway for women to return to stable employment with dignity and future growth prospects.
The CUB programme is specifically tailored for women returning to work. It offers:
The Women Supporting Women Mentorship Programme, offered by NTUC Women and Family, is a community mentoring programme that supports women in various constituencies by providing them with an opportunity to be mentored by women leaders.
It enables women workers and jobseekers to focus on their professional development and personal growth over six-months.
NTUC Women and Family piloted the Women Supporting Women Mentorship Programme in partnership with the Punggol Shore Constituency in 2020.
Recognising that some women and caregivers may prefer group settings for sharing and listening, the NTUC Women and Family teamed up with SG Her Empowerment (SHE) to launch “SHE Supports: Friendship Circles”.
This many-to-many mentoring initiative fosters a supportive environment that enables women to connect with mentors from diverse industries, share experiences and seek advice.
NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and NTUC Women and Family Director Yeo Wan Ling said: “While much has been made to supporting women and caregivers, and making the workplace an inclusive one, we have miles to go before we sleep.
“From policy advocacy and flexible work arrangements to mentorship and returner programmes, the NTUC remains dedicated to ensuring that all women, regardless of their circumstances and where they are in their lives, receive the support they need to reach for the stars both at home and in the workplace.”
Thinking about returning to work? Visit NTUC Women and Family for more information and assistance.
NTUC is at the heart of the Labour Movement, which comprises 58 affiliated unions, seven affiliated associations, a portfolio of businesses and six related organisations, as well as a growing ecosystem of professional associations and enterprise partners.