FAQs
Q1. What are the changes to the R1 upgrading pathways for the Process Sector?
Key changes under the Enhanced R1 Framework for the Process sector are as follows:
a) Increased Skills/Qualifications requirement from 2 courses to 4 courses, namely two WSQ courses, one Level 2 Deep-Skilling course and one Safety course;
b) Increased minimum Period of Employment (POE) requirement from 3 to 4 years;
c) Discontinuation of the Market-Based Pathway, which comprises Fixed Monthly Salary (FMS) and POE requirement;
d) Introduction of new pathway which comprises Skills Qualifications + Firm-level Productivity Certification Framework (PCF) of at least “Bronze”; and
e) Requirement for higher-skilled (R1) WPHs to pass the Level 1 and Level 2 Proficiency Test & Refresher (PT&R) courses every 2 years to retain their R1 status.
Please click here to view the details of the pathways to obtain R1 under the current framework and Enhanced R1 Framework.
Q2. When will the Enhanced R1 Framework be implemented?
The Enhanced R1 Framework will be implemented no earlier than 1 January 2026. This is to allow businesses more time to transit into the Enhanced R1 Framework.
The implementation date of the Enhanced R1 Framework will be announced to the industry when ready.
Q3. Why is skills/qualifications required for all 3 pathways? Why do WPHs need to renew their skills qualifications every 2 years?
The Enhanced R1 Framework was developed in consultation with the Process Construction & Maintenance Management Committee (PCMMC), which comprises energy and chemical plant owners, plant contractors and the Trade Association & Chambers (TACs), Singapore Chemical Industry Council Ltd (SCIC) and the Association of Process Industry (ASPRI).
The purpose of the Enhanced R1 Framework criteria is to encourage the development and retention of skilled and productive workers as the Process Sector transits to becoming a more manpower-lean and highly skilled workforce. WPHs are required to undergo Proficiency Tests and Refreshers (PT&R) every 2 years to ensure their skillsets remain relevant. Additionally, by doing so, these skilled and productive WPHs will be granted the benefit of a lower R1 levy.
Q4. How can my workers obtain R1 now?
Workers can continue to obtain R1 under the existing R1 Framework and will only be assessed based on the new criteria when the Enhanced R1 Framework is implemented.
The implementation date of the Enhanced R1 Framework will be announced to the industry when ready.
Q5. How will the Enhanced R1 Framework apply to existing R1 WPHs? What will happen if my R1 WPH does not fulfil the new criteria by the implementation date?
Upon implementation of the Enhanced R1 Framework, existing R1 WPHs will be assessed based on the new criteria and accorded the status that they qualify for (i.e., if the R1 WPH did not meet the new criteria by the implementation date, he will be dropped to R2).
Q6. How can I ensure that my workers will remain recognised under R1 at the end of every 2 years? Will companies be expected to keep track of when they should send their WPHs for PT&R?
The Government and PCMMC recognises that it may be challenging for companies to keep track of individual courses for their WPHs. Hence, the Government is working with the industry on ways to streamline the tracking process for the industry.
More information will be shared with the industry when ready.
Q7. Will I lose my R1 status if I were to change to a new employer that does not have a minimum PCF rating of Bronze?
Workers who obtained R1 status under the 3rd pathway, can continue to retain their R1 status via other pathways (i.e., Fixed Monthly Salary of ≥ $1,200 or Period of Employment (POE) ≥ 4 years), upon changing employment to an employer that does not have a minimum PCF rating of Bronze.
Q8. What courses should existing R1 WPHs complete to retain their R1 status upon implementation of the Enhanced R1 Framework?
Existing R1 WPHs are required to complete courses relevant to their previously obtained skillsets (i.e., WSQ courses) or vocation (for WPHs that obtained R1 through composite assessment or Market-Based pathway), to retain their R1 status.
Q9. What is the reason for not requiring existing R1 WPHs under the Market-Based pathway to complete the WSQ courses?
Market-Based WPHs would have more than 3 years’ experience and will be well-equipped with the relevant skillset for work execution. Hence, employers can send their workers to take on PT&R courses for skillsets relevant to their vocation.
Q10. Are WPHs penalised and unable to qualify for R1 status if their employer is unable to achieve minimally Bronze rating under the Productivity Certification Framework?
It is not mandatory for process companies to undergo the Productivity Certification Framework. There are 2 other pathways for WPHs to obtain R1 status. However, companies are encouraged to onboard the framework as the PCF adopts a data-driven approach in which process companies can identify gaps and make targeted changes to achieve sustainable productivity improvements, both for themselves and their clients.
Q11. Is it still possible for existing R2 and/or new WPHs to obtain R1 by completing the Composite Assessment for Generic Manufacturing (Process) under the Enhanced R1 framework?
Composite Assessment for Generic Manufacturing (Process) will still be recognised under the Enhanced R1 Framework, as an alternative to attain one WSQ skillset. To meet the Skill Qualification criteria for R1 status, the worker will need to complete an additional WSQ, one Level 2 Deep-skilling course and one Safety course.