Student's Access to Career Guidance in Schools

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education (a) whether access to career guidance is available in all polytechnics, institutes of technical education, junior colleges and secondary schools; and (b) if not, whether there will be plans to make such services available to all students.

Education and Career Guidance (ECG) is available to all students in Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and ITE. MOE’s approach to ECG is to progressively build on foundations provided in earlier education levels, to ensure that students receive relevant and timely support at each stage of their learning journey, including the transition to the workforce.

In MOE schools and at the Polytechnics and ITE, ECG is delivered through an ECG curriculum complemented with access to the MySkillsFuture portal, ECG experiences and ECG counselling services. All students are introduced to the MySkillsFuture portal which provides up-to-date education and career/industry information and tools to help students understand their own interests, values, abilities, and explore education and career choices. In addition, ECG experiences, such as education talks, fairs, visits to higher education institutions and industries, help students raise their awareness and guide their education and career planning. At the Polytechnics and ITE, the ECG curriculum and out-of-classroom activities, such as industry immersion programmes, learning journeys and career talks, help students make informed career decisions, and encourage them to embrace continual upgrading and lifelong learning even after they enter the workforce.

Students requiring more targeted ECG support can approach their teachers, academic staff and ECG Counsellors (ECGCs) in their educational institution for assistance and individual counselling. Through their Career Centres, the Polytechnics and ITE also offer additional career guidance services for their graduating students. This includes career preparatory services such as resume-writing and interview skills, and helping students match their strengths and interests to their career goals.

MOE will increase the number of ECGCs to support students in their learning journey and transition to the workforce. Junior Colleges will have an ECGC each, and Secondary Schools will have one ECGC supporting two schools – up from a ratio of one ECGC to four schools today. The enhanced ECGC resourcing will be implemented in phases, from January 2021.