Career conversion programmes, up to S$1,600 in training incentives to help taxi, private-hire drivers amid AV transition

“The government recognises that career transitions can be challenging, particularly with the opportunity costs of stepping away from driving to attend training,” they said in a joint media release.

“The package has been designed to offer drivers practical, accessible support that meets them where they are.”

A new career conversion programme for “AV specialists” will be launched to equip drivers with technical and operational skills for roles in the AV sector, such as safety operators, remote operators and fleet management positions.

The programmes come with up to 90 per cent of salary support, said Ms Sun.

It will be offered by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) in collaboration with industry partners, MOT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

GrabAcademy, Grab’s training arm, will also be a registered training provider.

Drivers interested in pursuing careers in the public transport sector can also look forward to a new pathway under the career conversion programme for public transport professionals, which will provide them with a customised route to becoming bus drivers.

Both the new career conversion programme and pathway will be launched in the third quarter this year, and they will be administered by the Singapore National Employers Federation. More details will be announced by SWDA when ready.