New govt pilot to help graduating students get industry-specific career advice

SINGAPORE – Graduates from polytechnics and autonomous universities can receive mentorship and career guidance from advisers in a new Government initiative starting in early 2025.

The pilot programme by Workforce Singapore – called Polaris by Volunteer Career Advisors (VCA) – will involve 50 volunteer career advisers from across sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, retail, biomedical and financial services.

As part of the initiative, 500 new graduates entering the workforce can get industry-specific career advice, insights into trends and job market demands, and help in crafting a career development plan tailored to their preferred fields.

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad announced the scheme at the annual VCA appreciation night, which honoured more than 200 attending volunteers at a ceremony at Marina Bay Sands on Dec 4.

He told the gathering: “Today’s labour market is evolving rapidly, with the advance of AI and emerging technologies. It is not enough to simply react to these changes as they come.”

He added that workers must take charge of their own career health, pursuing job and training opportunities purposefully and intentionally. “We are working with some of the polytechnics and autonomous universities to reach out to these young entrants who are motivated to plan for their career.”

The initial phase of the VCA initiative started in December 2020 by offering mid-career professionals peer support and guidance as they navigate transitions and advancements.

Mr Zaqy noted that while the initiative was born out of the pressing need to address the concerns of mature workers facing job insecurity, many advisers have expressed interest in doing more, especially for those starting out in their careers.

“Since its inception in December 2020, over 7,600 individuals have benefited from the wisdom and guidance of more than 550 VCAs across various sectors. It is particularly heartening to note that an overwhelming 97 per cent of advisees would recommend this initiative to others,” he said.

Ms Jackie They, 51, a general manager in the marketing sector, told The Straits Times at the event that she was excited about the new initiative.

Ms They, who has provided guidance to seven mid-careerists since February 2024, recounted her experience talking to a young copywriter who was worried about becoming irrelevant in his job, along with fears of being displaced by artificial intelligence (AI).

“Having the experience in the industry and understanding the trends and disruptions, I could walk him through what AI means in our industry, and how he can leverage that,” she noted.

“If anything, a writer like him can be a better prompter. He will have an advantage with AI. That opens his eyes, giving him options to consider working for an in-house company or freelancing.”

Mr Lee Hing-Yan, a cyber-security consultant in his 60s, has supported three mid-career workers since November 2020.

“It’s the satisfaction of helping people and being useful,” he told the ST. He also recalled guiding a worker who was moving from a role in precision engineering to cybersecurity.

“He passed the examinations and entered the (infocomm and communication technology) industry. As a result, he has a stable income now, and can provide for his children,” he added.

“That is one case I am very happy about, that I can be helpful for him based on my knowledge and the context I have.”

Mr Lee also recalled a group of secondary school students who voiced their lack of confidence at a separate event he attended, asking: “Who wants to hire me?”

He noted that fresh entrants to the job market would benefit from career guidance that educates them on real-world experiences.

The volunteer advisers themselves have reaped personal rewards from the experience.

While Ms They said she has become friends with her “clients”, Mr Lee appreciated the questions he received, motivating him to stay updated with the latest industry developments.

“It pushes me to do my own homework,” he said.