I AM a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) boss who wants to expand my staff pool by hiring older workers. Are there any schemes to help SMEs employ and/ or retrain older workers?

The Workforce Development Agency's (WDA's) Advantage Scheme provides grants for companies to employ new workers aged 40 and above, re-employ workers aged 62 and above, or retain workers aged 55 to 61.

The scheme supports initiatives to implement human resource (HR) systems for the retention and re-employment of mature workers, including wage restructuring, redesigning medical benefits, introducing part-time work and improving work environment. It is open to companies registered or based in Singapore.

For SMEs, the WDA has worked with the Enterprise Development Centre at the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (EDC@ASME) to put together an integrated approach aimed at assisting SMEs to leverage on the talents and experience of mature workers.

Under the Advantage For SMEs Initiative, companies can participate and attend regular seminars at no charge. Besides providing valuable subject knowledge, these seminars also present an excellent opportunity for companies to network and learn from firms that have successfully implemented effective re-employment practices.

Companies can also tap the Prepare (Planning Re-Employment Policy: ASME Roadmap for Employers) programme to incorporate appropriate strategies, policies, practices and tools into their HR systems. Eligible companies can receive up to 90 per cent of the programme funding. Upon completion of the programme, companies will be provided with health check equipment and health screening vouchers worth more than $750.

EDC@ASME also organises training programmes, seminars, workshops and provides consultancy services to ease companies into these tools.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on May 7, 2008