THE Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) is aiming to attract more people to its skills training programme.

The self-help group for the Chinese community will be increasing the number of places in the courses to 6,500 next year from 5,000 currently.

Covering everything from business administration to logistics, the programme offers training for low-income and low- skilled Singaporeans and permanent residents.

The CDAC will also ease its income criteria for applicants.

Previously, those under 35 years old had to have a monthly household income of not more than $2,000 to qualify. Those above 35 could not have a monthly household income over $2,500.

From next year, the age restriction will be lifted, with the monthly household income remaining at $2,500.

Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and chairman of the CDAC Skills Training committee, said the changes will make it easier for people to upgrade their skills during the current economic downturn.

The Skills Training Award Scheme offers courses across a range of industries, including food and construction. Participants pay no more than 5 per cent of the fees on completion of the courses.

Mr Chan Siong Quee, 45, went for a security guard training course in June. He used to be a fishmonger earning $600 a month. He later clinched a security guard position paying $750 a month.

Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said such training programmes will help workers stay employed during the downturn. 'We want our workers to be upgraded and acquire new skills in order to be flexible if they need to change jobs.'

JESSICA JAGANATHAN

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Dec 22, 2008.