What is the purpose of the PCP?

In today’s evolving digital job market, job descriptions are changing constantly. There is a talent shortage for certain job roles hence the creation of the PCP by WSG. Employers join Lithan with the intention of filling these job roles. The primary purpose of PCP is to reskill working adults to prepare them for job restructuring which is now taking place at an unprecedented pace.

Who is PCP for?

PCP is targeted at Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs), including mid-career switchers, who are committed to undergo skills conversion, to move into new occupations or sectors that have good prospects and opportunities for progression.

PCP is for any Singaporeans and PR adults 21 years and older who have been working for a minimum of 1 to 2 years.

How does PCP work?

You will be employed by a participating PCP employer while you learn on the job and undergo skills conversion via a structured training programme.

If I start out in one job roles and training programme with an employer, Can I switch job roles while undergoing the PCP?

No, each job roles is closely mapped to the training programme which aligns with your on-job-training, so switching to a new job role is not an option under the PCP.

Can I already be a professional in a particular industry to qualify for PCP?

There must be a professional conversion element where you are switching from one career type to another under the PCP. However, if you have been out of work for 6 months or more, you can be hired under the same profession with a willing employer.

Will I be required to take a test to be considered for acceptance in the PCP?

There are specific entrance tests to be taken online. You will be provided a link at the right time to do so. The tests gauge your suitability for the role and job to be filled.

Are participating employers obliged to hire me under the PCP?

PCP employers have full authority to hire candidates based on merit. The selection, interview and hiring process follows the same structure as any job interview.

How do I prepare for interviews with PCP Employers?

As with any interview, preparation is important. You should read up on the industry broadly, industry trends, the employer’s company background, competitors, and latest developments. You should study the job description well and prepare questions for the interviewer that shows your keenness to perform the job role well as well as understand the prospects for advancement.

You should also understand how PCP works by reading the FAQ thoroughly.

What relevance is my past qualifications and working experience to PCP employers?

Your past qualifications may not have much relevance especially if you are switching industries or your job role is no longer current in the job marketplace. Your general working experience will always be an asset as these are transferable skills employers are looking for. Your ability to demonstrate how you overcome obstacles and challenges in a work environment are also assets.

How will I know what the job description and is about for a job role I am interviewing for?

PCP employers create job descriptions for the roles they intend to hire for. They then present it to Lithan for our talent management to match your CV to PCP employers and job roles.

Since this is a conversion programme, how will I qualify to fill the job description of the job role?

PCP employers are aware you will not be able to perform 100% of the job role initially. Lithan briefs and reminds employers of this fact. Think of the job description as a role for you to grow into and aspire to master over the duration of the training programme.

If my qualifications has little relevance to PCP employers, how will I be assessed during the interview?

While you may not have the specific skills for the role you are interviewing for, employers are looking for a personality, attitude and to gauge how you would fit in their company culture in assessing your suitability. Your willingness to learn and adapt are also key considerations. Employers may pose questions to you to evaluate your problem-solving skills too.

How does Lithan match me to PCP employers?

PCP employers may provide Lithan with specific requirements in terms of prior industry experience and domain knowledge of candidates. However, they are encouraged to look broadly at talent from a perspective of their potential to fill the role given the training and on-the-job application of skills acquired. Using all the above together with the job description provided, Lithan shortlists candidates for employers to select for interviews.

How will interviews be scheduled for me?

Your CV and profile will be matched with PCP Employers who will indicate their interest to interview you. We will contact you to schedule an interview at a pre-arranged time and venue. You are also encouraged to attend our Recruitment events, networking and Career events to increase your chances of being employed.

If I am shortlisted for an interview, will I be able to see the job description of the role beforehand?

Certainly, you can request for a copy of the JD upon confirmation of the interview to prepare yourself beforehand.

Can I choose which PCP Employer I interview with or does the decision lie with employers?

If you have a keen interest to join a particular PCP employer, please inform Lithan’s talent manager of your interest and state clearly why you your ability to demonstrate you can fill the role will bring you closer to being hired.

Are PCP employers looking to hire outside of the PCP scheme?

Employers are constantly on the lookout for the right talent. They are prepared to interview and hire you if you show potential to be accomplished in the role in good time. You should focus on your strengths and project confidence during the interview. In the current tight job market, employers are seeking alternative solutions to fill the talent gap. The PCP is just one of the channels employers will source for talent from through Lithan. It is up to you to impress the employer during the interview to get the job.

If I personally know an employer who would like to hire me under the PCP, can I introduce them to the PCP scheme?

Certainly, if you have an employer who is interested to hire you, Lithan should speak with the employer directly as soon as possible so that we can provide accurate information to qualify eligibility, expectations and conditions for your being hired under the PCP.

At what level will I be hired for a job role?

Every PCP employer has a job description and level (position of responsibility) for each job role. Expectations and responsibilities may be higher if you are more senior. You should be expected to grow into the role based on your age and work experience.

Will I be expected to take a pay cut from my last drawn salary if employed under the PCP?

PCP Employers are encouraged to offer suitable candidates salary packages that are reasonable and fair in keeping with the age and needs at each age group. At the same time, you must acknowledge that you need time to grow in confidence and productivity in the role under the PCP.

Will Lithan help me to negotiate my salary with my prospective PCP employer?

Lithan does not get involved in negotiations between employers and candidates but we are on hand to offer advice and manage expectations of both parties when needed. The employment contract is signed directly between employer and employee. You should negotiate as you would with any employment contract.

What if I am uncomfortable with certain terms of the employment contract?

As above, you should discuss these concerns and come to an agreement on all terms of the employment contract. If there are any clauses which you feel are not in keeping with the spirit of the PCP, let Lithan know and we will address the points for concern with the PCP employer.

Will I be able to cope with training and work demands at the same time?

Training is designed to be non-invasive to your work. Every project and assignment is contextualized to your job so you can derive meaningful use immediately. On-campus time is optimized and focused on face-to-face interaction with learning facilitators and mentors.

What happens if I am unable to meet programme requirements?

We have many processes in place to ensure that each student completes the programme requirements successfully. Learning facilitators and mentors will provide real time assistance to help keep you on track.

How will the training programme help me to grow into fulfilling the job description?

Lithan recognizes you will be employed under a new job role in a new company. As such, our training programmes under the PCP are designed to be non-invasive, self-directed and flexible, allowing you to use the training to grow in confidence in your new job role.

Tell me more about the training?

Lithan’s training is ‘Learning on demand with Mentorship’. The 70/20/10 rule applies. 70% of your training is self-directed on your own time using our Learning Management System (LMS). 20% is on-time campus where you get to meet your learning facilitators and mentors who will give you face to face guidance and feedback. 10% is spent on assessments and assignments. The curriculum allows you to apply what is learnt directly to your new job.

What if I can’t meet the minimum attendance for classes on Campus?

You are required to achieve 75% attendance for each module. You should be able to do so with proper allocation of time. The schedule will be given to you ahead of each module. If you have a problem with the schedule, you should consult with the programme managers at Lithan.

Upon graduation, what will certification will I receive from completing the training?

You will receive Statements of Attainment by SSG, for every module that you successfully complete. In addition, you will receive a Lithan Professional Diploma upon the completion of the full programme.

What will happen if the relationship between me and my PCP employer is not good or deteriorates?

Just as in any employer-employee working relationship, constant and open communication is the key to a cordial and productive relationship. Be open and honest in working out mutual expectations and concerns regularly.

Can my employer make me perform a job role which is not mapped to my training and job description?

Strictly, no. The PCP is meant for you to extract applicable value from the training which is closely mapped to your particular job description. At the same time, if you are asked to take on additional projects or tasks outside of your primary role due to your employer’s confidence in your ability to do, you should discuss the scope, your bandwidth and capability to take on such projects with your employer.

What happens if I need to break contract and cannot complete the full 9 months of training?

Naturally, there will be situations where personal events prevent you from continuing with seeing through the 9 months of training. However, the commitment made by both employer and employee in taking part in the PCP should be seen through as far as possible. The employer’s investment in your training and opportunity costs for taking you in is high. So, every effort to complete the 9 months of training while being a productive contributor to the business is also to be strived for by you.

If I choose to break contract before the 9 months of training is complete, will I be able to continue with the training to attain my Diploma even if I pay for it myself?

No, you will not be able to continue the training if your employment ends before the training is complete. Nor will you be able to fund the training yourself.

Can I switch to another PCP employer before the 9 months of training is complete?

No, you will have to see the 9 months out with your original PCP employer.

Can the employer or myself choose not to have me retained under full employment for a further 6 months after I have attained my Diploma?

The employer is asked (required?) to retain you for a minimum of 6 months under the agreement. At the same time, both employer and employer may mutually agree to enter a full employment contract or decide to end the employment contract.

What relevance is my work experience to PCP employers? What are the employers looking for?

Employers are looking for agile multi-disciplinary PMET talent who have been in the workforce long enough to understand work discipline and culture. Your relevant network and experience is a valuable asset you should articulate to PCP employers. They want to see adaptability and a willingness to reskill yourself.