Past studies reveal that compared to larger companies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were less likely to send their employees for training. 

Recognising the challenges that SMEs may face in sending their employees for training, the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS) offers additional support for SMEs, including:

1. Higher Course Fee Grant: SMEs enjoy SkillsFuture Funding of up to 90% of the course fees when they sponsor their employees to attend courses supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)
2. Enhanced Absentee Payroll (AP) Funding: SMEs may claim AP funding of 80% of basic hourly salary at a higher cap of $7.50 per hour, an increase over the normal cap of $4.50 per hour. 

SMEs that meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

1. Registered or incorporated in Singapore
2. At least 30% local shareholding by Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents
3. Employment size of not more than 200 (at group level) or with annual sales turnover (at group level) of not more than $100 million
4. Trainees must be hired in accordance with the Employment Act and fully sponsored by their employers for the course
5. Trainees must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents

The following types of training are covered under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs:

¹These include the following courses:

• SSG-supported short courses offered by the Autonomous Universities;
• Part-time Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Specialist Diploma, part-time Industry Skills Certificates (ISC), part-time NITEC, part-time Higher NITEC, and SSG-supported short courses offered by the Polytechnics and ITE.

You may wish to view the library of courses available on SkillsConnect

SMEs can submit applications and claims through the online SkillsConnect platform at www.skillsconnect.gov.sg. ETSS will be extended to those who meet the eligibility criteria. The application can be submitted up to 30 days before the course start date and no later than 30 days after the course start date.