I APPLAUD the move by the Government to put in place more retraining schemes for those keen on joining the construction industry, so that the unemployed can take on jobs in the sector.

This is the right step forward, as that particular industry lacks workers and vacancies are mostly taken up by foreigners. Many locals shun the industry due to its harsh working conditions and low wages. There is also little prestige attached to such work.

However, in a recession, the unemployed will be desperate and will take a second look at such jobs if the pay is decent. In Australia, the construction sector is dominated by locals, and there is no direct entry available to foreigners.

At around A$3,000 (S$2,957) a month, the pay is also reasonable, and many stick with such jobs as salary levels are protected by the country?s minimum-wage policy.

There are whole families which work in construction, as jobs in the industry are seen as being well-paid and stable.

I believe that Singaporeans should be nimble and adaptable in such a serious downturn, and try out jobs in areas which are shunned in good times. I have friends who ventured abroad to work either as teachers or in the construction sector when times were bad.

Many are happy, and some even extended their contracts as they discovered that working life elsewhere is much more relaxed. They enjoy free accommodation, meals and a hefty monthly allowance.

Many are able to save their basic salary.

By deploying more locals in the construction industry, Singapore can also reduce its dependence on foreign workers.

With a heavily-subsidised retraining programme and, hopefully, revised salary packages, there is every reason to be optimistic that unemployed locals will take up such jobs during the recession.

Mr Gilbert Goh Keow Wah

For more my paper stories click here.