New work study programme for graduates of Northlight School and Assumption Pathway School

SINGAPORE - Graduates of Northlight School and Assumption Pathway School who are not ready to begin work, or able to enter the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), will be able to progress to a new work and study programme from next year.

The two schools recruit students who did not pass their Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE). There, students learn english and mathematics, and also receive vocational training in areas such as retail and hospitality services and mechanical servicing. Students receive an ITE Skills Certificate at the end of their four years. With that, they can choose to enter the ITE or to work.

The new two-year programme will run within the two schools, and is separate from the four-year curriculum.

It was announced by the Education Ministry on Wednesday.

The Northlight Academy and Assumption Pathway Academy will take in their first batch of about 90 students in total in February next year.

Under the new programme, students will work for three days a week and spend the remaining two days studying. They will also get career coaching and counselling support from the school, to prepare them to join the workforce.

They will receive an allowance of about $450 to $500 per month, said Assumption Pathway School's principal Eric Leong.

The students will graduate from the two-year programme with a Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications certificate.

Current fourth-year students of both schools will be able to apply for the new programme next year.

Both schools have roped in industry partners to kick start the new programmes. This includes hospitality group Park Hotel Group, department store chain Metro, and restaurant chain Pastamania.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.