SINGAPORE: Polytechnic graduate Andrew Lee was initially sceptical when he was offered a government-backed traineeship with a logistics firm in June.
So far, more than 1,000 trainees have been placed on the programme, said spokespersons from the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore in response to queries. “Personally, there are definitely moments you feel like you should be making more in the market,” said the 26-year-old. However, after more than a month into the traineeship, he is now able to see the possible long-term prospects of such an opportunity.
The SGUnited Traineeships Programme aims to support those who have recently graduated or will soon be graduating from the Institute of Technical Education , polytechnics, universities and other private educational institutions to “take up traineeship opportunities across various sectors”, according to WSG’s website.
The spokesperson added that traineeship positions lasting more than nine months that were approved prior to Jul 29 are allowed to proceed. He added that he would have continued with the food delivery job had he not chanced upon the traineeship on the MyCareersFuture.sg job portal. “The Government pays 80 per cent then the company only pays 20 per cent,” said Mr Lee, referring to his initial doubts about the programme. “Of course they would want to hire because they pay very little to them.”
Mr Lim, who is a senior manager in software development, said that the firm has hired two other trainees for its food sector, both of whom are also viewed as potential full-timers. Ms Bian had initially planned to start her first job in Australia, having completed her major in digital media at the University of Queensland in December last year.
But when she needs help, the start-up’s founder, Mr Huang Jing Jie, will connect Ms Bian to external mentors to help her refine the business strategies. “As long as it fulfils the kind of job scope I am looking for, I am happy to go for either ... it really boils down to what I will learn and the opportunities and projects I try to create for myself.
“We really need full-timers in the future, and we would rather convert a full-timer who has already been with the company for one year rather than who is totally fresh,” he added. The 23-year-old graduated with a degree in maritime business and logistics from Plymouth University in the United Kingdom earlier this year, and had set his sights on fulfilling his childhood ambition. Then COVID-19 struck, and the maritime industry was hard hit by disruptions to the global supply chains.
“Currently it’s quite hard to land a position, so I will just take up any opportunities for me to gain experience.” BSM’s managing director Raymond Peter said that at the end of each stage, trainees will be asked to give feedback on how the firm has conducted the traineeship, as well as receive feedback on their performance.
“We always try to encourage because it is important to create this generational understanding ... to have a sustainable approach of making sure the pipeline is always relevant,” he said.“In a traineeship, you’re starting from the bottom, so you learn everything and have hands-on experience, then slowly make your way up,” he said.STEPPING INTO UNFAMILIAR WORLD OF BANKING
He then started looking at industries that were doing well to increase his chances of getting hired. That was when he came across a data analyst traineeship offered by the United Overseas Bank . Having started his traineeship in mid-July, Mr Lim is paired with a full-time employee who will guide him if he faces any difficulties. He also has weekly engagements with his supervisor, who will check in on his learning progress.
“Many of them eligible to join us in our full-time programme if they actually perform and if there’s a need in the areas that they’re working in,” said Mr Tong. “So we are using this also as a platform to identify talent.” Nevertheless, he is also open to other opportunities and industries where his new skill sets might not be relevant.
In a Facebook post in June, Mrs Teo said the Government started the traineeship programme to help young graduates by “opening up more and new pathways to jobs”.
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