Meet Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) Training Requirements for Administrators and Drivers with WSQ Courses

Is your company hiring foreign staff and employing Singapore citizens/permanent residents (PRs) as drivers and/or administrators? Are you aware that these hires are required to attend a WSQ course to meet the mandatory training requirement under OPW?

What is OPW?

Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) was developed by the National Wages Council (NWC) to improve workers’ skills, productivity, and minimum wages. Administrators and drivers fall under this OPW category and must undergo training (from WSQ or in-house courses) as an OPW requirement.

From 1 March 2023, it is mandatory for companies to meet OPW requirements in order to renew existing work passes or apply for new work passes.

OPW Training Requirements for Administrators and Drivers

Employers must ensure that their Singapore citizens and PR administrators and drivers meet the OPW training requirements by attaining:

At least 1 Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Statement of Attainment, with no restriction on which WSQ course can be taken; or
Completion of an in-house training program.

Who Does It Cover?

The OPW requirement covers all Singapore citizens and PRs who:

Work full-time or part-time in administrative or driving roles on a contract of service, and
Are employed by companies that hire foreign workers.

A grace period is given to employers to meet the OPW training requirements:

For new hires: six months from the new hire’s date of employment.

WSQ Courses We Offer

WSQ: Integrating a Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for Enhanced Productivity

Gain insight into how automation and integrations in cloud-based HRMS software contribute to increased productivity in HR and organisational processes, and learn how to apply it for businesses.

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WSQ: Basics of Human Resource Management & Practical Training with Info-Tech HRMS

Understand Singapore’s employment guidelines and regulations and explore how HRMS software can help maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your HR department.

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WSQ: Basics of Accounting & Practical Training with Info-Tech Accounting Software

Understand vital accounting fundamentals and principles, learn how to perform fast account reconciliation, generate insightful financial reports, and ensure efficient bookkeeping with modern accounting software.

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WSQ: Essential Office Skills with Digital Tools

Gain proficiency in MS Office, online collaborative tools, professional email correspondence, and other digital tools that can improve your productivity and performance at work.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) for administrators and drivers?

The OPW, established by the National Wages Council is a three-tier career advancement structure for administrators and a two-tier career progression model for drivers.

What happens if my company doesn’t meet the requirements?

Your company will be unable to apply for or renew the work passes of current employees.

How do I know if my employees are covered under OPW?

You can refer to the OPW job descriptions on MOM's website to see if your employee’s job scope is covered.

Where can I get more information on OPW?

For more information, please visit MOM's website.

Why should I choose a WSQ course instead of conducting in-house training by myself to meet OPW training requirements?

Employers can conduct in-house training if they are an Approved Training Organisation (ATO). In-house training must also follow training objectives, modality, key tasks, and duration to meet training requirements.

For companies who do not possess the time or resources to conduct their own in-house training, they can opt for WSQ courses to meet OPW training requirements. Any WSQ course will qualify.

Info-Tech's WSQ courses are designed to equip workers with the solid foundation, up-to-date knowledge, and practical skills needed to perform in their roles. View our WSQ courses to know more.