Debated in Parliament on 4 Feb 2026.
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Education in relation to the Polytechnic Graduate Employment Survey (a) what are the main reasons why the percentage of students who have applied for jobs but have not received any full-time permanent job offers has increased since 2023; (b) whether any courses of study are overrepresented among these students; and (c) what actions are being taken to help these students.
My response will also address written Question No 49 in the Order paper for the Sitting on 3 February 2026. [Please refer to "Rise in Involuntary Part-time or Temporary Employment among Fresh Polytechnic Graduates from 2023 to 2025", Official Report, 3 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 15, Written Answers to Questions section.]
Employment rates are affected by various factors, including economic and labour market conditions. Some fluctuations in employment rates year-on-year are to be expected. In the last ten years, polytechnic graduate outcomes have remained stable, with around nine in 10 graduates securing employment within six months after graduation. The proportion of polytechnic graduates in involuntary part-time or temporary employment has also remained stable at about 3% over the past ten years.
That said, 2022-2023 marked a high in the employment rate for polytechnic graduates, in line with a post-pandemic surge in hiring. The number of job vacancies has moderated from the post-pandemic peak, driven by reduced churn and slower hiring and reflects a more cautious hiring sentiment amid broader economic uncertainty and geopolitical developments.
While there continue to be entry-level job opportunities for fresh graduates, some outward-oriented sectors, such as information and communications, saw more subdued hiring compared to previous years due to the uncertain global economic environment. In comparison with other course clusters, the information and digital technologies and engineering course clusters had a marginally higher percentage of students who applied for jobs but did not receive any full-time permanent job offers within six months after graduation.
The polytechnics will continue to support graduates who have difficulties securing employment through the provision of education and career guidance support services, such as career coaching and employment facilitation support. Graduates can also approach Workforce Singapore and National Trades Union Congress' Employment and Employability Institute career centres for additional assistance. Sectoral initiatives, such as the Infocomm Media Development Authority's TechSkills Accelerator for Institute of Technical Education and Polytechnics Alliance, will also provide graduates with industry-relevant training that will enhance their employability.
PAPERCUTS