Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) Training Requirements for Administrators and Drivers

As per Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s requirements, companies must meet the Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) and training requirements if they have Singaporean and Permanent Resident (PR) employees who are administrators and drivers.

Looking for courses to fulfil OPW requirements? Enquire with us today!

Series and Courses

What is OPW?

Occupational Progressive Wages (OPW) is a wage framework that focuses on uplifting administrators and drivers in Singapore, regardless of the industry they work in. OPW is part of the broader Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and was developed by the National Wages Council (NWC) to ensure that local workers receive fair wages and have clear career progression opportunities.

Employers must comply with OPW requirements, including providing necessary Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training and certifications by enrolling admin and driver workers for OPW courses, to renew or apply for new work passes for employees in these roles. This system is designed to help workers improve their skills, increase productivity, and earn higher wages over time.

Who is covered under OPW?

OPW is for

OPW is a requirement for Singapore citizens and PRs in administrator and driver roles.

It is NOT for

It is NOT a requirement for all employees (who are not in admin and driver roles).

Specifically, OPW is a requirement for all Singapore citizens and PRs who are:

• Full-time or part-time employees in administrative or driving roles on a contract of service and

• Employed by firms which hire foreign workers

From 1 March 2023, OPW will cover the following administrative and driving roles:

Administrators:

Office attendants, data entry clerk, library clerk

General office clerk, customer service clerk, office cashier, receptionist, telephone operator, secretary, concierge

Office supervisor

Drivers:

Motorcycle delivery drivers, van drivers, tram drivers

Bus drivers, lorry drivers, chauffeurs

If your company employs administrators and drivers in the above roles, you will be required to meet the OPW requirement. Check out our WSQ Courses that are eligible for OPW here:

OPW Training Requirements

Employers must ensure that their Singapore citizen and PR administrators and drivers meet the OPW training requirement of attaining:

At least 1 Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Statement of Attainment, with no restriction on which WSQ course can be taken

OR

An in-house training programme.

The in-house training programme must be guided by training objectives, training modality, key training tasks and training duration to meet the training requirements. When required, employers are expected to show supporting documentation on their in-house training programme and records of workers who attended the trainings.

Employers have a grace period to comply with the OPW training requirements:

For new hires

• Six months from the new hire’s date of employment.

For existing employees

• One year from when the OPW takes effect in March 2023; up to 29 February 2024.

WSQ Courses for Admins & Drivers

Fulfil OPW Training Requirements with OOm’s WSQ Courses

OPW As Part of PWM

The Progressive Wage Model (PWM) aims to empower lower-wage workers and increase their wages through upgrading of skills and improving productivity. 

The core principles of OPW remain consistent with those of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM):

Clear Career Pathways

Provides defined routes for workers to advance in their careers.

Minimum Wage Requirements

Establishes minimum wage standards for various levels within the career pathway for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs).

Skill and Productivity Training

Mandates training to enhance workers’ skills and productivity, thereby increasing their contribution to employers’ profitability and justifying wage increments.

PWM currently in effect

Since 1 September 2022, Progressive Wages (PWs) have been expanded to include retail workers, in-house cleaners, security officers, and landscape maintenance workers. The Food Services PWM and the Occupational PWs for administrators and drivers have been implemented from March 2023, and Waste Management PWM from July 2023.

Sectoral / Occupational PWs

Sectoral / Occupational PWs

Cleaning Sector

• Extension to in-house cleaners

1 September 2014 – 1 September 2022

Security Sector

• Extension to in-house security officers

1 September 2016 – 1 September 2022

Landscape Sector

• Extension to in-house landscape maintenance employees

30 June 2016 – 1 September 2022

Lift and Escalator Sector

1 May 2019

Retail Sector

1 September 2022

Food Services Sector

1 March 2023

Occupational PWs for Administrators and Drivers

1 March 2023

Waste Management Sector

1 July 2023

FAQs:

Why was OPW introduced?

OPW was introduced to improve skills, boost productivity and increase minimum wages of workers.

In order to renew existing work passes or apply for new work passes, employers must meet the OPW training requirements.

If an employer does not comply with OPW requirements, they will not be able to apply for new work passes nor renew existing employees’ work passes.

There is no restriction on which WSQ course can be taken. Check out OOm Institute’s WSQ courses here!

No, OPW is not a requirement for all employees. It is a requirement for only Singaporeans and PRs who are employed as administrators and drivers in Singapore.

You can find more information on MOM’s website here.

Have a query on OPW training requirements? We can help!