The migrant worker sandbox scheme is a new initiative launched by Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) and BOP Hub to help Singapore employers quickly recruit skilled construction workers from Bangladesh while significantly reducing the recruitment fees these workers have to pay.
Workers recruited through this pathway bring relevant construction experience and hold vocational certificates accredited by the Bangladesh government. Their experience not only equips them to work more efficiently but also gives them a better understanding of what to expect in Singapore, allowing them to adjust more quickly to the work environment. This contributes to increased productivity and a smoother onboarding process.
Why use this pathway to recruit skilled workers?
Direct recruitment of skilled workers with experience
Aesperon, as the Singapore partner of this sandbox, will liaise with each employer to understand their specific requirements and then work closely with BRAC, one of the largest and most respected NGOs in the world to recruit the right workers. With their reputation and extensive network across Bangladesh, BRAC is well-equipped to source skilled workers who meet each employer’s unique needs. Many of these workers also have experience working abroad, which further enhances their suitability for roles in Singapore.
No cost to employer and minimal fees paid by migrant workers
The costs of migration will be borne by the workers. BRAC will keep the cost incurred by workers at a minimal level to ensure that they are not overburdened financially. Lowering the cost of migration not only makes this migration pathway more attractive to workers but also enables employers to draw the best talent from Bangladesh to Singapore.
Enhanced Worker Preparation Beyond SEC(K) Test
BRAC’s training encompasses technical skills and workplace safety, ensuring workers are not just SEC(K)-ready but also well-prepared for their roles. Engaging in this program grants access to a pool of better-trained and equipped workers. After the workers arrive in Singapore, Aesperon will arrange for them to go through familiarisation training and testing at the Singapore Engineering and Construction Accredited Training and Testing Centre (ATTC).
With BRAC, workers are already equipped with the needed construction skills to immediately engage in projects:
How it works
The sandbox provides an alternative pathway to allow the employers to recruit experienced
workers from Bangladesh possessing vocational certificates in related construction trades , apart from the existing training and testing system involving Overseas Testing Centres (OTCs). Through this pathway, skilled workers with a vocational certificate issued by the Bangladesh government could come to Singapore directly, where they will have up to two years to take the SEC(K) test to validate their skill standards.
APC, BRAC, BOP Hub and Aesperon will oversee the entire recruitment process. This includes recruiting workers based on employers’ needs, supporting these workers in obtaining a government-issued vocational certificate in Bangladesh, preparing them for the SEC(K) test in Singapore, and assisting them in making all the necessary arrangements to relocate to Singapore. A dedicated team of counsellors from BRAC as well as Aesperon will follow up with workers post-arrival, offering psychological and social support to ensure a smooth settling-in process.
For construction trades with high demand, Aesperon and BRAC will pre-select workers and ensure they obtain their vocational certificates in advance, further streamlining the process for employers. If you are an employer interested in this opportunity, please contact Aesperon to review potential candidates. Otherwise, the recruitment process will follow the timeline outlined below.
| Timeline | What happens |
| Start of the process | Employer provides Aesperon with a demand note, detailing the requirements (e.g. no. of workers, expected skills). |
| 1-2 weeks | BRAC will recruit skilled workers in Bangladesh, using their sizeable network and reputation, based on the employer’s requirements. The employer can choose the fly into Bangladesh to visit BRAC, as well as to test and interview the workers. |
| 3-4 weeks | BRAC will help workers obtain a government-issued vocational certificate, prepare them for the SEC(K) test in Singapore as well as some training in English and workplace safety. BRAC will prepare workers for the SEC(K) test in Singapore. BRAC will also provide some training in English, technical skills and workplace safety. |
| 1 week | APC will share the vocational certificate and workers’ details to BCA for approval. |
| 1 week + IPA approval | Once BCA approves, the employer can apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the workers to travel to Singapore. While waiting for IPA, BRAC will complete all other pre-departure steps, such as registering with BMET, getting a smart card etc. |
| Post-arrival in Singapore | Once workers arrive in Singapore, Aesperon will arrange for the workers to take the SEC(K) test at the Singapore Engineering and Construction ATTC. Every 2 weeks, BRAC counsellors will follow up by phone call to ensure workers are transitioning smoothly into their new life in Singapore. |
Work With Us
CONTACT
For employers looking to hire skilled workers, please contact Nigel:
- Phone: +65 88225757
- Email: [email protected]
For skilled workers in Bangladesh looking to learn more about the programme, please contact:
- BRAC Probashbandhu Ltd (BPL): [email protected]
PARTNERS
Sandbox Managers:
Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) is a community of philanthropists collaborating to chart a better future for Asia. Founded in 2015 by Asia-based philanthropists to encourage peer exchange, APC has grown to over 60 members across 13 markets.
We are home to a diverse network of philanthropists—across generations and interests—seeking collective impact together. Our members give in financial and human capital, champion social innovation for public good, and pioneer collaborative initiatives to build the social impact ecosystem and address systemic challenges.
BOP Hub is a Singapore-based business accelerator platform. We aim to create an efficient marketplace for communities at the base of the pyramid by supporting entrepreneurship, connecting partners and sharing resources for social entrepreneurs and business ventures to access BOP markets.
Bangladesh Partner:
BRAC is the world’s largest development organisation, with headquarters in Bangladesh and operations in 11 countries. It has been ranked the world’s No.1 NGO five times in a row, and acts as a catalyst to create opportunities for people living in poverty. Its diverse portfolio of services include BRAC Probashbandhu Limited (BPL), BRAC’s own recruitment agency, and BRAC Institute of Skills Development (BISD), a registered training organisation in Bangladesh providing National Technical Vocational Qualification Framework training.
Singapore Partner:
Aesperon Manpower was established with the vision of providing Singapore with reliable overseas recruitment services. As one of the most dependable recruitment agencies in the region, we offer comprehensive portfolio of recruitment related services. Trust us to use our vast network and expertise to find the right person for your job.
In addition, our team also maintain an excellency in our services to both our employers and employees with a pristine performance. We take pride of our extensive and diverse experience in supplying manpower requirement for Construction, Engineering, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Landscaping Industries.