Effectiveness of Career Guidance, Traineeship and Work-based Learning Initiatives in Helping Fresh Graduates Secure Sustainable Employment

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Acting Minister for Manpower (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the effectiveness of career guidance, traineeship and work-based learning initiatives in helping fresh graduates secure sustainable employment; and (b) what challenges are faced by graduates who remain unemployed or underemployed six months after graduation.

Based on the Graduate Employment Survey in 2025, nine in 10 graduates responded that they were satisfied with the career guidance services and programmes offered by their institution of higher learning.

We have also observed positive outcomes from traineeships and work-based learning initiatives. So far, close to half of trainees under the GRaduate Industry Traineeships programme who have completed their traineeships have secured employment, with more likely to do so in the coming months.

The employment outcomes for fresh graduates generally continue to improve beyond the six-month mark, as more graduates subsequently secure jobs. Unemployed and underemployed graduates may face different challenges, including limited work experience in their target sector, weak interview skills or a slower hiring environment in certain industries.

We will continue to support these graduates to improve their employability and seek employment through the career guidance, traineeship and job matching services and programmes by the Skills and Workforce Development Agency and its partners.