Retention Rate of Trainees SGUnited Traineeships and SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programmes

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo asked the Minister for Manpower with regard to the SGUnited Traineeships and SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programmes (a) whether applicants have been able to fulfill the skills profile and requirements of the participating organisations; (b) what is the rate of retention of trainees up to completion of their traineeship or attachment; and (c) what is the rate of conversion to full-time employment.

The SGUnited Traineeships and SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programmes provide jobseekers with traineeship or attachment opportunities hosted by companies. These opportunities allow them to acquire industry-relevant experience and build up their skillsets and networks while receiving an allowance.

As of end-April 2021, about 13,000 trainees have been accepted and onboarded onto traineeships or attachments. We expect more to be onboarded for the rest of the year.

Of the 13,000 onboarded trainees, about 85% are still undergoing their traineeships or attachments. Of the 15% who exited or completed the programmes, based on latest available data, half have indicated that they took up employment with the host organisation or found employment elsewhere. This is a positive sign, as the traineeships and attachments have opened up opportunities for them.

We will continue to track the employment status of those who participated in the programmes. For trainees who have not secured employment, we will continue to offer employment support assistance to them.