SINGAPORE - Students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) will get more career guidance over the next three years, after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) on Thursday.

Students will get to attend workshops and seminars on career progression pathways and skills required in various industries, and can also meet e2i's career coaches at ITE campuses.

This comes after the Applied Study in Polytechnics and ITE Review Committee's recommendations to provide more support for polytechnic and ITE students to excel in their careers.

The agreement was signed at the opening of the two-day ITE Career Fair 2014 on Thursday. MP for Tampines GRC Baey Yam Keng told students in his speech as guest-of-honour to be forward-thinking and look out for programmes available for future upgrading or progression.

"Opportunities to upgrade yourself will remain open throughout your career. As long as you possess the can-do and positive attitude, it is never too late to learn," he said at ITE College East.

Mr Baey also addressed the 88 employers present at the fair, encouraging them to hold a long-term perspective towards staff development. "I encourage you to value and develop your people as they take on more responsibilities...Your company will reap the rewards when you encourage staff to upgrade their skills and expand their capabilities."

More than 500 ITE students attended e2i career talks about place-and-train programmes for several industries, including information technology, aviation and petrochemical.

ITE director and chief executive Bruce Poh said in a statement that the collaboration would serve as a platform for students to seek advice and guidance from trained career advisors. "With a clearer view on the career options available, students will be able to pursue and look forward to employment that matches their skills and interests."