About The Programme
1. What is the Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for the Retail Industry?

The Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) for the Retail Industry is an apprenticeship programme which allows Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) to undergo structured on-the-job training with the retailers while pursuing the nationally recognised qualification under the Retail Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ). This initiative aims to help PMETs, unemployed or those who wish to switch careers, make a smooth transition to the retail workplace with the right skills, right attitude and right working experience, to become retail professionals.

2. Who is eligible to participate in the programme?

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must:

1. Be Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident;
2. Have a minimum ESS Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) Level 6;
3. Have at least a Diploma or equivalent qualification; and
4. Have at least 2 years’ working experience at the supervisory or managerial level.

Training Course Details
3. What is the programme objective?

1. Enhance job opportunities for Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs).
2. Provide a training pathway to acquire the skills and knowledge to make a career switch into the retail industry as a retail professional.
3. Facilitate job placement and retention

4. What is the course duration?

Course duration is for a period of 6 months. 5. What is the course content? At the end of the Diploma programme, trainees will acquire the relevant retail skills and competencies such as managing marketing strategies and managing finance for retail operations. For course details, please refer to www.sirs.edu.sg or www.wda.gov.sg.

5. Upon completion of the training, what qualification will trainees obtain?

Trainees are to complete the training at SIRS and the sponsoring company as well as all required assessments over the 6-month period. Upon successful completion, trainees will graduate with a WSQ Diploma in Retail Management.

6. Where is the training venue?

Classroom training will be conducted at Singapore Institute of Retail Studies (SIRS). Structured on-the-job training will be conducted by individual companies.

7. When is the commencement of the Diploma?

The Diploma in Retail Management will commence on 20th April 2009.

Application and Cost of Programme
8. How do I apply for the programme?

Interested individuals can contact SIRS at 6222 7477 or visit their website at www.sirs.edu.sg to apply for the programme. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews with the participating companies within 2 weeks.

9. How much is the course fee?

After WDA funding, the nett course fee payable is $144.45 (incl. GST) per trainee and will be borne by the sponsoring companies.

10. Is there any allowance available?

Trainees will receive monthly stipend in accordance to sponsoring companies’ existing salary structure during the training period. WDA will co-fund 50% of the stipend.

11. Is there any bond under the Professional Conversation Programme?

Yes. Trainees will serve a bond period of 6 months with their sponsoring companies upon completion of training.

12. Will trainees be required to pay liquidated damages for breaking the bond?

Yes. Trainees are required to pay liquidated damages including training allowance and full course fee to the sponsoring companies. Trainees are advised to read the training deed thoroughly and seek clarification from the sponsoring companies before signing.