Singapore is pushing ahead with economic transformation, but Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has underscored a crucial point: the creation of good jobs and effective job matching cannot be left entirely to market forces. While the private sector drives growth and innovation, targeted support at both the national and community levels is essential to ensure Singaporeans can access meaningful work closer to home. In this context, the nationwide rollout of Jobs Nearby @ CDC is a timely intervention designed to close “last-mile” matching gaps that often prevent promising hires from materialising.
Table of Contents
Jobs Nearby @ CDC Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Initiative |
Jobs Nearby @ CDC |
Launch |
Oct 23 (full roll-out across all five CDCs) |
Lead Agencies |
Community Development Councils (CDCs) in partnership with PA; complements SkillsFuture, WSG, NTUC e2i |
What It Solves |
Bridges “last-mile” job-matching gaps for residents who need proximity to home or flexible hours |
Key Features |
District job banks, roving job ambassadors, 42 community job clinics, direct employer interviews |
Pilot |
South West District from Aug 31 |
Beneficiaries |
Seniors, caregivers, stay-at-home parents, mid-career workers, fresh graduates, heartland SMEs |
Access Points |
Community clubs (CCs), Resident Network Centres, coffee shops, CDC volunteer portal |
Official Site |
Why Job Matching Needs More Than the Market
In a tight yet evolving labour market, many job seekers have specific constraints such as caregiving responsibilities, health considerations, or the need to work near home. On the other side, heartland businesses and smaller merchants may lack the recruitment bandwidth or brand visibility to reach the right candidates. Market mechanisms alone do not always surface these nuanced needs. By layering community-based solutions on top of national policies, Singapore can better align local talent with local demand, improving job outcomes and business continuity in the heartlands.
What Is Jobs Nearby @ CDC?
Jobs Nearby @ CDC is led by the five Community Development Councils and aims to connect residents with nearby employment opportunities. The programme complements national agencies by operating at ground level, inside neighbourhood spaces, and with local relationships that accelerate trust and access.
Core Pillars
- District Job Banks
Each CDC maintains a job bank that consolidates openings from local employers. These banks highlight full-time, part-time, and flexible roles that may not appear on national platforms, improving visibility for hyperlocal vacancies. - Job Ambassadors
More than 50 job ambassadors, based out of 18 CCs and roving across districts, provide end-to-end support. They help residents refine profiles, shortlist suitable roles, prepare for interviews, and connect to upskilling resources where needed. - Community Job Clinics
42 job clinics have launched across the five districts, hosted in community clubs, Resident Network Centres, and coffee shops. These clinics enable on-the-spot interviews through job fairs and virtual sessions, making hiring more immediate and accessible. - “Last-Mile” Adjustments
Ambassadors can negotiate with employers on practical adjustments such as shift timings to accommodate caregiving or health needs so that legitimate constraints do not become deal-breakers.
How It Complements National Efforts
The initiative does not replace national programmes; it amplifies them. As PM Wong explained, the Government proactive role spans from attracting investments that create quality jobs to training Singaporeans with the skills these jobs require. Community-level job matching then ensures these opportunities are reachable physically and practically by residents. The result is a closed loop: investment, training, and localised placement.
Launch Highlights and Pilot Learnings
- Full Launch: Oct 23 at Taman Jurong Community Club, alongside the opening of 42 job clinic locations across districts.
- Job Fair Activity: 22 employers engaged on-site, with 24 more conducting live video interviews, helping shorten hiring cycles.
- South West Pilot (from Aug 31): The pilot established the template stationing ambassadors in CCs, conducting direct outreach, and addressing last-mile barriers that stall otherwise suitable matches.
Who Benefits Most
- Seniors and caregivers who require flexible or nearby roles.
- Stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce with time-bound schedules.
- Mid-career workers seeking sector switches supported by training.
- Fresh graduates needing interview practice and guidance.
- Heartland SMEs and merchants that prefer to hire locally and move quickly.
How to Use the Programme (Step by Step)
- Explore your district CDC page via the People Association website.
- Register your interest and outline availability, skills, and location preferences.
- Engage a job ambassador for a quick assessment and personalised shortlist.
- Visit a job clinic at your nearest CC or community venue for walk-in conversations, fairs, and on-the-spot virtual interviews.
- Upskill if needed with recommended courses through SkillsFuture, WSG, or NTUC e2i to align with role requirements.
Building a “We First” Society through Volunteerism
The CDCs will also deepen community engagement by promoting volunteerism in structured, district-friendly ways advancing what PM Wong has described as a “We First” society. Three mechanisms will support this:
- District Volunteers Network: Mapping the local volunteer landscape for better coordination.
- CDC Volunteer Portal: Displaying localised opportunities tailored to community needs.
- District Volunteer Awards: Annual recognition for outstanding volunteers and partners.
This civic infrastructure encourages residents and organisations to participate actively in strengthening neighbourhoods whether through mentoring job seekers, hosting clinics, or supporting outreach.
Why This Matters for Employers
For many smaller businesses, recruitment is time-consuming and fragmented. Jobs Nearby @ CDC provides a single neighbourhood touchpoint: a district job bank with ready, nearby candidates, ambassadors who pre-screen and coach applicants, and clinics where interviews can happen on short notice. Employers can also clarify role expectations and dispel misconceptions (for example, that no experience means no chance when training is in fact available for entry-level roles).
Outlook
As Singapore navigates technological shifts and external headwinds, proximity, flexibility, and relevance will remain decisive factors in employment. By pairing national strategy with place-based execution, Jobs Nearby @ CDC helps ensure that job seekers and employers find each other faster, with fewer frictions and more durable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) How is this different from national job portals?
Jobs Nearby @ CDC focuses on district-level roles and face-to-face touchpoints. It complements national platforms by surfacing hyperlocal jobs and providing hands-on support via ambassadors and clinics.
2) Where are the job clinics located?
Clinics are hosted mainly in community clubs (CCs), Resident Network Centres, and other heartland venues. More will be rolled out progressively across all districts.
3) Do I need prior experience?
Not necessarily. Many employers offer on-the-job training. Ambassadors can recommend SkillsFuture courses if upskilling improves your fit.
4) I need flexible hours due to caregiving. Can the programme help?
Yes. Ambassadors can negotiate practical adjustments such as shifts and hours, which is a key “last-mile” feature of the initiative.
5) I am an employer. How do I list vacancies?
Contact your district CDC or participate in a community job clinic. CDC staff will guide you through posting and outreach.
6) Are there fees to participate?
CDC services are community-oriented. Any role-specific costs (licenses, certifications) will be explained during counselling.
7) Will there be follow-up after I apply?
Yes. Ambassadors provide end-to-end guidance, including interview preparation and referrals to partner services where useful.
8) How soon can I expect interviews?
Clinics and fairs often enable same-day or scheduled virtual interviews, shortening the typical timeline between application and employer contact.
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