Good Jobs for ITE and Polytechnic Graduates in Light of Economic Slowdown

The following question stood in the name of Mr Desmond Choo –

To ask the Minister for Manpower how is the Ministry working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that ITE and Polytechnic graduates can continue to get good jobs in light of the economic slowdown.

Mr Speaker, most ITE and Polytechnic graduates continue to do well when they enter the labour market. In 2018, around nine in 10 graduates who entered the labour market were employed within six months after their final examinations. This figure has remained stable for the past 10 years. Notwithstanding economic headwinds, overall employment has continued to grow and job vacancies remain available for ITE and Polytechnic graduates.

MOM and MOE have various ways to help our students prepare for and find employment. ITE and the Polytechnics run structured and comprehensive career guidance programmes to help graduating students make informed employment choices. In addition, we offer SkillsFuture Work-Study programmes for Diplomas and Post-Diplomas. These allow ITE and Polytechnic graduates to deepen their industry-relevant skills even as they pursue further academic education.

In January this year, Workforce Singapore rolled out the Career Starter Programme, comprising workshops and personalised coaching to help both graduating ITE and Polytechnic students and fresh graduates boost their job search skills and be more employable. The Career Starter Programme complements existing Education and Career guidance efforts in schools by targeting final-year graduating students who may require additional support when seeking employment.

After leaving ITE or the Polytechnics, graduates can also find assistance at WSG's Careers Connect or NTUC's e2i career centres. They may also tap on online resources, such as MySkillsFuture portal and the MyCareersFuture digital service. For example, they can access information on industries and occupations as well as other resources on MySkillsFuture to chart their career development. They can also search for jobs best suited to their skills on MyCareersFuture.

Although businesses are facing greater uncertainty, the advance third quarter labour market data indicates that employment continued to grow in sectors, such as Professional Services and Community, Social and Personal Services. MOM and MOE are monitoring the labour market closely and will ensure ITE and Polytechnic graduates are well supported in their job search.