Forum: Make graduate traineeship scheme more than a stop-gap measure
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The latest graduate employment survey showing a fall in full-time employment for fresh graduates in 2024 should prompt us to reflect on how best to prepare young Singaporeans for work in a rapidly changing economy ( Govt-funded traineeships for fresh grads to start in Oct with up to 800 places
The new Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) scheme builds on the earlier SGUnited Traineeships (SGUT), which successfully supported graduates during the Covid-19 pandemic. Close to nine in 10 SGUT participants secured jobs within six months after the programme, proving its effectiveness as a short-term bridge.
GRIT is a good start, but today’s challenge is more complex.
Blue-collar and essential service roles may, in fact, offer greater stability and satisfaction. Site-based engineers, electricians, and other built environment specialists are increasingly needed as Singapore ramps up infrastructure projects. Nursing and healthcare jobs also remain resilient, with steady demand and lower turnover. These roles require physical presence and human intervention, making them less vulnerable to disruption by artificial intelligence (AI).
Should GRIT then focus mainly on traditional white-collar traineeships, or also guide graduates towards sectors with strong and sustainable demand?
A constructive way forward would be to broaden the programme’s scope by creating clearer pathways into essential services. At the same time, education should be more closely aligned with evolving labour market needs to reduce the risk of mismatch between rising qualifications and available jobs.
Singapore has successfully navigated past disruptions by adapting boldly. To remain future-ready, GRIT must evolve from a stop-gap measure into an initiative that helps graduates secure meaningful, sustainable careers in an age of AI and economic uncertainty.
Liu Fook Thim
