Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)

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 in the form of higher course fee subsidies. 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).

Who can qualify for Enhanced Training Support for SMEs?

SMEs that meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

Registered or incorporated in Singapore
Employment size of not more than 200 or with annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million

SME-sponsored Trainees:

Must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents.
Courses have to be fully paid for by the employer.
Trainee is not a full-time national serviceman.

You may view the full terms for training providers here.

Further Info: This scheme is intended for all organizations, including non-business entities not registered with ACRA e.g. VWOs, societies, etc. Only Ministries, statutory boards, and other government agencies are not eligible under Enhanced Training Support for SMEs Scheme. Sole proprietorships which meet all of the above criteria are also eligible.

What does Enhanced Training Support for SMEs cover?

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

Type of Course	Funding Support
CET Centre courses and CET courses offered by the Autonomous Universities, Polytechnics, ITE and the National Institute of Early Childhood development (NIEC)*	Up to 90% of course fees
Certifiable courses (Conducted by External Training Providers)	Up to 70% of course fees
In-house certifiable training	Course fee subsidies at $15 per hour

*These 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, certificate-level courses, and SSG-supported short courses offered by the Polytechnics, ITE and NIEC.

You may wish to view the library of courses available on MySkillsFuture.gov.sg

Note: For changes to SkillsFuture course fee funding and absentee payroll funding for SSG-funded courses commencing on or after 1 Jan 2022, please click here.

How to apply for Enhanced Training Support for SME?

SMEs may enrol their employees directly with SSG-appointed CET Centres or with training providers of SSG-supported certifiable courses. You will only need to pay the nett course fee (full course fee after SSG’s grant).