Government accepts recommendations to enhance training requirements and career ladder of landscape Progressive Wage Model

Changes are in line with overall efforts to ensure that the workforce stays relevant and ready for digital and technological transformation as Singapore transforms into a City in Nature

The Government has considered and accepted the recommendations contained in the report of the Tripartite Cluster for Landscape Industry (TCL)[1] on the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) for the landscape maintenance sector dated 29 January 2021. Firstly, by expanding the list of Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) courses that landscape employees can undertake under the enhanced PWM, employers will have greater flexibility in upskilling their workers with the relevant skillsets. Secondly, by introducing a Specialist Track under the PWM Career Ladder, landscape employees will have better prospects of career progression and the industry will be better able to attract new and younger entrants. The Government appreciates the TCL’s efforts to continually enhance the PWM.

Greater flexibility in upskilling workers in more relevant skillsets

2          Following the announcement of the Skills Framework for Landscape in 2019 which was jointly developed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the National Parks Board (NParks), TCL members reviewed the training requirements stipulated in the PWM and recommended to expand the list of courses that workers could undertake to fulfill the requirements. This will provide employers and their workers with greater flexibility to plan for skills development and enable employers to prioritise training in areas based on their needs. Landscape companies are encouraged to send their employees for training and improve their productivity, as well as prepare them for career progression and deployment to higher level job roles. Sustained engagement and staff progression will aid in employee retention and increase overall attractiveness of the landscape industry.

3          In tandem with the objectives of the Landscape Sector Transformation Plan announced in 2019 to elevate and grow the landscape sector through digitalisation, mechanisation and professionalisation, the sector will increasingly roll out technology solutions for landscape roles. Hence, the changes to the training requirements of the PWM are necessary to ensure the landscape sector stays relevant and future-ready, especially amid a tight labour market and challenging economic conditions. In such an environment, landscape companies must stay competitive by transforming through digitalisation or job redesign, as this will lead to creation of high value-add job roles that will allow the sector to continue to attract local job seekers who are tech-savvy and digitally ready.

4          This is aligned to NParks’ work to develop landscape talent by introducing new technology and to digitalise the industry as Singapore transforms into a City in Nature. By 2030, another 200 ha of nature parks, 190 km of nature ways and 160 km of park connectors will be added island-wide. The landscape sector has been and remains a crucial partner in our greening efforts. It is therefore important that we continue to upgrade tools for greenery management and grow the landscape sector to keep pace with the transformation.

Additional progression pathway for better career prospects

5          The proposed introduction of the Specialist Track under the PWM Career Ladder will provide an additional career progression pathway for landscape employees who want to specialise and gain greater mastery of skills and knowledge. It will also offer greater clarity on career prospects for new entrants to the industry. The Government will work closely with the TCL to determine the appropriate skills and wage points for the proposed Specialist Track, training requirements as well as the implementation timeline.

Implementation Timeline

6          The proposed changes to the required PWM modules for landscape worker and landscape technician will take effect on 1 Feb 2021.

7            Landscape employees who had completed training for their current job role under the previous requirements will not be affected by the updated training requirements. Employers are encouraged to continue to send these employees for upskilling to improve their work prospects and for career progression.

8          The Government will work with the TCL on enhancing the PWM Landscape career ladder and sufficient lead time will be provided for the industry to adapt to changes.

The Tripartite Cluster for Landscape Sector Report is available online at www.ntuc.org.sg/tripartiteguidelines.

- End -

[1] The TCL comprises representatives from the Government, unions, landscape service providers and service buyers.