The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted global economic activity, affecting different sectors of the economy to varying degrees. Given the fast-evolving situation and the high degree of uncertainty over the length and severity of the outbreak, most sectors, including the maritime industry, are adversely affected. Many seafarers working on the forefront are left vulnerable and had to adjust to their companies’ new needs and challenges.

Following the first online engagement with the young seafarers in May, Young SMOU (YSMOU) gathered that one of the top concerns faced by many was finding temporary employment that could be a financial supplement to tide them through this COVID-19 period when ship assignments are being delayed. Thus, for the second online engagement session held on 3 June, YSMOU invited its partners from Workforce Singapore (WSG) and NTUC’s Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to share more about temporary employment opportunities that are currently available, such as roles such as social distancing ambassadors and COVID-19 swabbers & swab assistants under the SGUnited Jobs initiative.

Even though ship assignments may have been delayed, SMOU has helped some of the youth members in getting temporary jobs while they wait for their ship assignment. The young seafarers could make use of their spare time to learn different skills offered under the SGUnited Jobs initiative. During difficult times like this, SMOU will continue to work together with different partners to support seafarers as we battle to overcome COVID-19.

The SGUnited Jobs initiative aims to help about 100,000 Singaporeans, including those affected by the COVID-19 situation, access immediate temporary as well as longer-term job opportunities or even pick up job-related skills and capabilities so when the economy picks up, everyone will be at a better place to move forward again.