How trainers can drive change through e2i-funded courses

Singapore’s economy is undergoing rapid transformation. With automation, digital disruption, and a shifting global economy, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce has never been greater. Globally, the World Economic Forum projects that technology will transform more than 1 billion jobs globally by 2030—about one third of the total number of jobs worldwide—highlighting the urgent need for large-scale reskilling.

At the core of this transformation are professional trainers. They’re not just delivering content; they’re shaping futures, restoring livelihoods, and playing a crucial role in national development. In partnership with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), trainers can access funding, resources, and support to deliver high-impact courses that meet industry demands and lead to real employability outcomes.

This blog post explores how trainers in Singapore can tap into e2i’s resources to design and deliver meaningful, job-ready training programmes, and why doing so matters more than ever.

What is e2i, and why is it vital for workforce development? 

Established by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) in 2008, the Employment and Employability Institute is a national initiative aimed at supporting workers in upgrading their skills, finding employment, and adapting to economic changes. e2i is a collaboration between NTUC, employers, and the Singapore government.

Its mission is to bridge the gap between workforce potential and industry requirements through:

• Job matching and placement services.
• Career coaching and guidance.
• Skills training and certification programs.
• Funding support for trainers and employers.

e2i serves a broad demographic including:

• Retrenched or long-term unemployed individuals.
• Low-wage and part-time workers.
• PMETs: Professionals, Managers, Executives, Technicians.
• Older workers and mothers rejoining the workforce.

These services make e2i not just a funding body but a strategic engine of national employability.

The trainer’s role: From instructors to impact makers 

Trainers play a pivotal role in Singapore’s workforce transformation. By designing and delivering courses that address current industry needs, trainers help individuals transition into new roles, adapt to changing job requirements, and achieve sustainable career growth.

To maximize their impact, trainers should:

• Understand industry needs: Stay updated on trends and skills gaps in sectors such as healthcare, technology, sustainability, and more. Tailor course content to address these evolving demands.
• Focus on outcomes: Align training objectives with e2i’s priorities, such as job placement, wage progression, or job retention, to ensure that courses deliver measurable benefits for learners.
• Engage learners: Incorporate interactive teaching methods, including case studies, group discussions, and hands-on projects, to make learning relevant and practical.

By adopting these strategies, trainers not only enhance employability for their learners but also contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s economic resilience and growth.

Designing e2i-funded courses that deliver  results

To qualify for support from NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute, courses and trainers must meet clear eligibility criteria that prioritise quality, relevance, and measurable employability outcomes. This approach ensures that public funds are directed toward initiatives that genuinely help Singaporeans secure better jobs and adapt to the evolving workforce.

Eligibility criteria for trainers and courses

Target audience: Courses must be designed for Singapore citizens or permanent residents because these are the groups eligible for e2i’s support and programs.

Trainer qualifications: Trainers are generally expected to possess recognized adult education credentials. While specific requirements may vary by program, qualifications such as the Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP) or equivalent are commonly sought to ensure instructional quality.

Employability outcomes: e2i places strong emphasis on courses that lead to tangible results, such as job placement, wage progression, or job retention. The focus is on equipping participants with skills that are directly applicable to in-demand roles and sectors.

e2i and its partners frequently support training in high-demand areas, including:

• Digital marketing
• Workplace safety and health (WSH)
• Healthcare support
• Sustainability and green skills
• Automation and artificial intelligence

These priority sectors reflect Singapore’s economic strategies and the nation’s ongoing efforts to future-proof its workforce.

How to apply for e2i funding as a trainer  

e2i provides multiple funding schemes to support impactful training. The two most accessible ones for trainers are described below.

Career Conversion Programs (CCPs)  

These programmes support mid-career professionals transitioning into new sectors. CCPs provide structured classroom training followed by on-the-job exposure, often in collaboration with employers.

Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant  

This grant offers up to 70% co-funding for training initiatives that support business transformation. Companies must form a Company Training Committee (CTC) in partnership with NTUC to qualify.

The application process for trainers 

1. Reach out: Contact e2i via trainandtransform@ntuc.org.sg or your respective union representative
2. Develop a proposal: Prepare a transformation plan that outlines your target audience, course objectives, alignment with economic needs, and expected employability outcomes
3. Submit for review: Work with your CTC or union to submit your proposal. Reviews typically take four to six weeks

Proposals with clear KPIs, such as the number of learners, expected employment outcomes, assessment strategies, and feedback mechanisms, are far more likely to be approved.

Embracing digital delivery to expand reach and accessibility  

To meet the needs of adult learners, many of whom are balancing jobs, families, and financial constraints, e2i encourages digital-first delivery methods. Trainers who digitise their content gain several advantages:

• Wider reach across Singapore.
• Lower operational costs.
• Flexible, self-paced learning models.

Recommended platforms include:

• TrainerCentral
• Moodle

To succeed with digital delivery, trainers should:

• Use interactive content, such as video lectures, quizzes, and discussion boards.
• Offer live check-ins or virtual office hours for support.
• Maintain digital logs of attendance, assessments, and feedback to comply with e2i audit requirements.

Tracking success through measurable outcomes  

e2i’s support comes with a core requirement: You must prove your impact. Outcome tracking isn’t just a bureaucratic formality; it’s the foundation of trust and long-term funding sustainability.

Trainers must be prepared to track:

• Learner registration and eligibility.
• Attendance records.
• Pre- and post-course assessment results.
• Employment outcomes three to six months after training.

To streamline this, trainers should create standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering:

• Course delivery and assessment.
• Trainer credentials and onboarding.
• Learner feedback and complaints.
• Internal audits and compliance with e2i’s reporting requirements.

Final thoughts  

The future of Singapore’s workforce hinges on people who can adapt and grow with the times and technology. As a trainer, you have a unique opportunity to shape that future. With e2i’s support, your courses can go beyond just teaching skills; they can truly change lives.

By aligning your training with what Singapore’s industries need, tapping into the right funding opportunities, and focusing on practical, job-ready skills, you’re not only building a stronger training practice but also playing a meaningful part in strengthening our economy. Together, you can help Singapore’s workforce stay resilient and ready for whatever comes next.