Support Services and Programmes and Potential Initiatives for Female NEET Youths

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what are the existing services or programmes that focus on supporting female youths who are not in employment, education or training (NEET); and (b) if there is no such programme, whether the Ministry will look into developing one, given that about two in three NEET youths are female.

The rate of youths who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) in Singapore has remained low at 4.1% in 2023 and is much lower compared to other developed countries. Regardless of sex, their NEET status is mostly transitional and short-term. Over 70% of NEET youths are taking a temporary break or switching between jobs. These were also the key factors for female NEET youths.

It is important for us to first support youths through their education years. Schools proactively reach out to support students with personal needs and connect them and their families to community and other resources.

Throughout their schooling years, students receive Education and Career Guidance (ECG) through lessons and advising by ECG counsellors to help them discover their strengths, interests and sense of purpose. Students, including those who require more guidance, have opportunities to attend industry immersion programmes, learning journeys and career talks to learn more about the different pathways available. NEET youths who wish to return to education can reach out to the respective educational institutions or to the ECG Centre @ MOE for ECG advice.

For employment support, all NEET youths, including females who are seeking to enter the workforce, can tap on a range of career matching and reskilling programmes and services offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG). They can also tap on career advisory and coaching services provided by WSG’s Careers Connect and e2i’s career centres. WSG’s MyCareersFuture portal also provides job opportunities and a CareersFinder feature to help jobseekers explore potential career and upskilling options.

We recognise that some NEET youths may face complex issues, such as conflictual family relationships. We have a network of youth support programmes to engage our youths with varying needs, such as the Youth GO! Programme, which supports at-risk youths. Youths and their families may also seek help from Family Service Centres if they are facing social issues. Mentorship, such as through the Mentoring SG movement, can also support and guide NEET youths to navigate life transitions and challenges.

For NEET youths with mental health needs, they are supported through community mental health services like Youth Community Outreach Teams and Youth Integrated Teams provided by social service agencies or CHAT, a national youth mental health outreach and assessment service.

We encourage NEET youths, including female NEETs, to take up the opportunities and support available to grow their education and career journey.