SINGAPORE - Over 500 graduates from polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education took part in the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme last year.

This is higher than the 400 placements targeted for the year, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Faishal Ibrahim told Parliament on Tuesday (Feb 28).

The work-study scheme places people in companies so they can work and continue to gain higher qualifications at the same time. There are 40 Earn and Learn programmes across 23 sectors, including those where the Industry Transformation Maps are being developed, such as the hotel, infocomm technology and logistics sectors which are among the most popular, said Dr Faishal.

The Education Ministry (MOE) has received positive feedback from employers and trainees, he added, in response to a question from Ms Sun Xueling (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC). Feedback is collected from lecturers as well as employers.

"MOE will continue to work with the respective sector agencies to introduce more work-learn programmes to support training and lifelong learning," Dr Faishal said.

Labour MP Desmond Choo (Tampines GRC) said entry salaries for the industries under the Earn and Learn programme should be more attractive, and Dr Faishal said the ministry would consider this feedback.

He also gave brief details of the Individual Learning Porftolio, a one-stop online portal for training and employment which will be rolled out in stages from this year.

It will include platforms for users to provide feedback on the available training programmes. There will also be tools for people to profile their career interests, skills gaps and work values, and explore possible jobs and relevant training programmes based on those results. The Jobs Bank will be integrated into the portal.

A feature looking at internship opportunities could be considered for future phases of the portal, if the need arises.

Dr Faishal assured members that job postings on the Jobs Bank are up-to-date, as postings are automatically removed after 30 days.