Drivers and barriers for multiskilling workers in the Singapore construction industry

Construction in Singapore has always been perceived as a low productivity sector, given the slow labour productivity growth. To address the issue, the Singapore government introduced the Multiskilling Scheme (MS) in 2012, aiming to develop competent workers who are versatile in multiple skillsets. This study attempts to assess the extent of adoption of the MS in Singapore’s construction industry by recognizing the benefits, drivers, and barriers of multiskilling workers. This study has a two-phased research design consisting of a survey and interviews with industry employers and government. The empirical findings indicate the strong influence of regulatory impetus towards adoption of the MS, where an incentive of lower foreign levy was granted. The significant drivers highlighted were government compliance with regulations, employers' perception of the importance of multiskilling workers for productivity improvement, and usefulness of the MS for upgrading worker’s skills. Barriers to the MS were perceived to be insignificant in terms of hindering adoption, especially with firms heavily incentivized and driven by government. It is concluded that multiskilling in Singapore’s construction industry has its own features. In terms of contributions, the drivers and barriers of the MS formulated under Scott’s Institutional Framework are mapped, and recommendations are proposed for improvement of the MS.