Jobs Nearby @ CDC is a community-driven job-matching initiative launched across Singapore five Community Development Councils (CDCs) to help residents find work closer to home. While national agencies continue to drive employment support, this programme fills the local gap by bringing opportunities into the heartlands, enabling jobseekers especially those with caregiving duties or mobility constraints to connect directly with nearby employers. The approach is simple: local jobs, local access, and local support, delivered through district job banks, job ambassadors, and pop-up job clinics in familiar community spaces.
Table of Contents
Jobs Nearby @ CDC Short Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Initiative |
Jobs Nearby @ CDC |
Launch Date |
Oct 23 (nationwide roll-out by all five CDCs) |
Pilot |
South West District (from Aug 31) |
Lead Stakeholders |
Community Development Councils (CDCs); supported by national agencies like SkillsFuture, Workforce Singapore (WSG), and NTUC e2i |
What It Does |
Matches jobseekers with nearby employers through district job banks, job ambassadors, and community job clinics |
Who Benefits |
Unemployed residents, seniors, caregivers, stay-at-home parents, mid-career workers, fresh graduates, and heartland businesses |
Early Outcomes (Pilot) |
50,000+ jobs from 1,600 employers listed in South West; 350+ residents engaged; 120 facilitated for interviews |
Access Points |
Community clubs, Resident Network Centres, coffee shops, and district job portals |
Official Site |
Why This Matters Now
Singapore labour market remains resilient, yet the job landscape is evolving. Global headwinds and technology shifts especially the rise of AI-enabled workflows are changing roles and requirements. Many workers need flexibility or proximity to balance health, family, and financial needs. At the same time, heartland businesses often struggle to reach suitable talent or may not post roles in national portals. The initiative narrows this gap by synchronising demand and supply at the community level.
How the Initiative Works
1) District Job Banks
Each CDC curates a district-level job bank separate from the national job portals. Listings include full-time, part-time, and flexible roles, prioritising vacancies located within the district so residents can reduce commuting time and costs.
2) Job Ambassadors
CDC-appointed job ambassadors provide end-to-end guidance from profiling and shortlisting suitable roles to application coaching and interview preparation. They maintain contact with jobseekers throughout the search, helping sustain momentum and confidence.
3) Community Job Clinics
Regular job clinics appear in accessible heartland venues community clubs, Resident Network Centres, and coffee shops. These clinics allow direct employer–jobseeker conversations, improving transparency on job scope, hours, and training.
4) Integration with National Support
The programme complements national schemes such as SkillsFuture (for upskilling/reskilling), Workforce Singapore, and NTUC e2i for career coaching and placements. The combined model supports both immediate placement and longer-term skills development.
Who Can Benefit
- Seniors seeking flexible, lighter-duty roles within the neighbourhood
- Caregivers and stay-at-home parents needing part-time or time-bound schedules
- Mid-career workers exploring sector switches with training support
- Fresh graduates looking for their first role and interview practice
- Heartland employers/SMEs that need local candidates and faster hiring cycles
Early Results from the South West Pilot
The South West District piloted the approach from Aug 31 and quickly gathered momentum:
- 50,000+ jobs listed by 1,600 employers in the district
- 350+ residents engaged by job ambassadors in the first weeks
- 120 jobseekers facilitated for interviews (with multiple candidates shortlisted for subsequent rounds)
One success story involves Mr Rosman Ibrahim (59), who required flexible work due to kidney dialysis. Through the programme, he secured part-time security work, enabling him to contribute financially while managing his health. The case highlights how proximity and flexibility can be decisive for meaningful employment.
What It Means for Employers
Heartland employers often lack recruiting bandwidth or avoid national portals. Jobs Nearby @ CDC gives them local visibility and direct access to interested residents. Employers can clarify role expectations, dispel misconceptions (for instance, training provided for entry roles), and shorten hiring cycles by meeting candidates where they are.
Getting Started: Steps for Jobseekers
- Visit your district CDC page via the PA website and look for the Jobs Nearby section.
- Register your profile and indicate availability, skills, and location preferences.
- Connect with a job ambassador for a quick needs assessment.
- Attend a community job clinic near you for walk-in conversations with employers.
- Use SkillsFuture/WSG/e2i resources for targeted courses and coaching if a role requires upskilling.
Key Dates and Roll-Out
- Aug 31: Pilot begins in South West District
- Oct 23: Nationwide launch across all five CDCs
Outlook
Jobs Nearby @ CDC is designed for durability. By embedding job-matching into everyday community spaces, it makes work more accessible, supports family obligations, and sustains local businesses. Over time, integration with training pathways should help more residents pivot into emerging roles while keeping employment closer to home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What kinds of jobs are listed?
A mix of full-time, part-time, and flexible positions across retail, services, logistics, administration, security, and more prioritised for neighbourhood proximity.
2) How do I meet a job ambassador?
Start at your district CDC page or enquire at your nearest community club. Ambassadors can schedule an assessment and guide you through applications and interviews.
3) Do I need prior experience?
Not always. Many employers accept entry-level candidates and provide on-the-job training. Ambassadors can also suggest SkillsFuture courses to strengthen your profile.
4) Is this different from national job portals?
Yes. This is a district-level job bank focused on nearby roles and face-to-face connections through clinics and ambassadors. It complements, rather than replaces, national platforms.
5) I am a caregiver. Are flexible hours available?
Yes. The initiative actively surfaces flexible and part-time opportunities suitable for residents balancing family responsibilities.
6) I am an employer. How do I list roles?
Contact your district CDC office or participate in community job clinics. CDC staff will guide you on listings and outreach.
7) Will there be follow-up after I apply?
Yes. Job ambassadors maintain contact, help prepare for interviews, and refer you to training or coaching where useful.
8) Are there fees to participate?
CDC services are community-oriented. Any role-specific requirements (such as licenses or certifications) will be explained during counselling.
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