Google SG partners agencies and brands to open up digital job placements

Google has launched “Skills Ignition SG” - A Grow With Google Program in collaboration with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The program is a new jobs and skills training initiative, aimed at boosting the employment and employability outcomes of 3,000 local entry-level and mid-career jobseekers by providing vital industry experience amidst a challenging labour market. Under this initiative,

Google will offer 100 job placements at its Singapore office with the remaining 500 vacancies offered by its key partners including Dentsu Aegis Network, Omnicom Media Group, Publicis, Sephora and Trip.com.

Skills Ignition SG offers two programmes, one focusing on providing on-the job training opportunities and another focusing on skills upgrading in areas of digital marketing and cloud technology, supported by IMDA and SSG respectively. It includes a nine-month place and train programme for up to 600 applicants – fully subsidised by Google, where participants will do three months of online vocational training before moving on to six months of hands-on work experience with employers, as well as two six-month full-time training courses in the areas of digital marketing and cloud technology for up to 2,400 mid-career professionals.

The curriculum developed by Google comprises vocational learning with authorised training providers, AVADO and Agilitics, and will include a mix of online live instructor-led training, self-paced online study and online group and individual project work. Participants who complete either course will receive professional certificates recognized globally. Marketing understands that the website for this new initiative was done by R/GA.

Scott Beaumont, president, Google APAC said "While the pandemic has impacted jobs and career opportunities, it has also accelerated digitalisation by businesses and increased demand for digital skills. We hope this programme will help bridge that gap,” Beaumont added.

Ben King, country director at Google Singapore said the company remained focused on empowering Singaporeans, adding that in order to kick off the programme, it offered 100 locals hands-on work experience at its office and would continue to work with its partners to offer more job placements. “When participants successfully complete the programme, they will be equipped to take on jobs with companies within Singapore's broader tech ecosystem. Skills Ignition SG will benefit entry and mid-level jobseekers and enhance the talent available to all companies to enable them to take their business forward in Singapore,” King added.

Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran said throughout COVID-19, the government’s over-riding economic priority was to create jobs and opportunities for its people, and he was encouraged by companies such as Google, which were stepping up to join the government in this critical national effort. “In today’s challenging labour market, Google’s collaboration with EDB, IMDA and SSG, will help some 3,000 fresh graduates and mid-career professionals secure jobs, advance their skills and start a fulfilling career in the information and communication technology sector, which remains one of the bright spots in our economy,” Iswaran added.

Separately, last year, SSG ran an integrated campaign, developed by Tribal Worldwide Singapore, carrying a new tagline "Learn for a better you". It was aimed at inspiring Singaporeans to discover a better version of themselves through constant upgrading and adopt lifelong learning.

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