In a bid to address concerns over a sluggish job market for fresh graduates, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng, announced a new traineeship programme known as the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT).
This initiative, which was highlighted during the National Day Rally by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, aims to provide up to 800 traineeships across various sectors starting from October 2024.
Details of the GRIT Programme
- Duration: Structured traineeships lasting between three to six months.
- Allowance: Monthly stipends ranging from S$1,800 to S$2,400.
- Funding: The government will cover 70% of the stipend, with host organisations providing the remaining 30%.
- Eligibility: Open to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents graduating in 2024 or 2025, including individuals who completed their National Service during these years.
Many sectors are expected to participate, including financial services, information technology, and manufacturing. Public sector agencies will also have an additional segment known as GRIT@Gov, offering immediate vacancies to fresh graduates.
Addressing Graduate Concerns
Dr Tan acknowledged the challenges graduates face when job hunting, with many employers seeking candidates with prior experience—something fresh graduates often lack. The GRIT programme is designed to bridge this gap, offering trainees the chance to gain valuable industry experience and skills.
Safeguards for Employment
To ensure that mid-career workers are not displaced, the traineeship framework is intentionally structured to be less lucrative and of shorter duration compared to mid-career schemes. Additionally, companies are prohibited from retrenching employees for roles that are being filled by trainees.
Dr Tan expressed confidence in the current resilience of Singapore’s labour market but indicated readiness to expand the programme further if needed. He also reassured that all measures will be taken to support fresh graduates looking to transition into full-time roles.
Looking Ahead
The new traineeship schemes, which are similar to the SGUnited Traineeships introduced during the pandemic, reflect the government’s commitment to fostering career opportunities in the midst of economic uncertainty. Interested graduates are encouraged to register online for the GRIT programme.
As the economy evolves, initiatives like GRIT aim to enhance employability and ensure that young professionals are well-equipped for their future careers.