Introduction
HRD Corp has recently announced revisions to the training grant application requirements for levy-based training schemes, effective 15 June 2026. The update was issued through Employer Circular No. 2/2026 dated 7 May 2026.
For HR leaders, L&D teams, and business decision-makers, the message is clear: training plans and grant applications now require earlier coordination and better forward planning.
At Thriving Talents, we’re sharing this update to help organisations stay informed and avoid disruptions to upcoming training schedules.
Key Updates from HRD Corp
Based on the latest HRD Corp circular and infographic announcement, here are the main changes employers should take note of:
1. Training Can Only Start 14 Days After Grant Approval
Effective 15 June 2026, training may only commence 14 calendar days after the grant has been approved.
This means companies can no longer obtain approval and immediately proceed with training within a short turnaround window.
2. HRD Corp Processing SLA Remains 24 Hours
HRD Corp stated that the grant processing Service Level Agreement (SLA) remains 24 hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.
However:
Applications submitted before 5:00 PM on a working day → SLA starts the same day.
Applications submitted after 5:00 PM or on non-working days → SLA starts on the next working day.
3. Approved Grants Can No Longer Be Modified
One of the most significant changes is that approved grants are no longer allowed to be modified. If changes are required after approval:
Employers must cancel the existing approved grant
A new application must be submitted
The revised application will be subject to the new approval timeline and training dates
Why This Matters for HR & L&D Teams
These revisions place greater importance on:
- Early training calendar planning
- Internal approval coordination
- Confirming participant availability earlier
- Locking in training dates ahead of time
- Avoiding last-minute grant submissions
For organisations running leadership programmes, soft skills workshops, onboarding initiatives, or team-building sessions, delayed planning could potentially impact training schedules and grant eligibility timelines.
In practical terms, HR teams may now need to work backwards from the intended training date and allocate sufficient buffer time for:
- Programme Confirmation
- Internal Approvals
- Trainer Coordination
- HRD Corp processing requirements
Our Recommendation: Plan Earlier Than Before
To minimise operational disruptions, companies are encouraged to:
- Finalise training calendars earlier
- Submit grant applications well ahead of deadlines
- Confirm participant lists and schedules in advance
- Avoid making post-approval changes where possible
- Build contingency time into training plans
Refer to HRD Corp’s Official Circular for Full Details
This article is intended as an informational sharing based on the latest HRD Corp announcement and infographic.
For the complete and official guidelines, employers are encouraged to refer directly to:
Final Thoughts
As workforce development continues to evolve, administrative readiness is becoming just as important as training quality itself. With the new HRD Corp requirements taking effect from 15 June 2026, proactive planning will help organisations avoid unnecessary delays and keep employee development initiatives on track.
If your organisation is planning upcoming leadership, soft skills, or team development programmes, now is a good time to review your internal training timelines and grant submission processes.
Connect with Thriving Talents to design a training and talent development strategy that delivers both compliance and impact.
