Debated in Parliament on 8 May 2024.
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will (i) work with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to develop student- and parent-friendly career resources which map MOM's Shortage Occupation List to the relevant education pathways (ii) provide counselling to link skills shortages to suitable courses of study (iii) organise industry outreaches to schools to highlight in-demand jobs and the required qualifications and (iv) ensure that such career information is accessible to less-privileged families.
Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning prepare students for a wide range of careers across all sectors. Students, including those from less-privileged families, have opportunities to attend industry immersion programmes, learning journeys and career talks, to learn more about the different career pathways available. Information on career opportunities in the various sectors is also available on the MyCareersFuture portal.
Whilst we have an interest to steer more students towards courses that prepare them for in-demand careers, such as those in the Ministry of Manpower's Shortage Occupation List, we need to understand and respect that students have their personal considerations and preferences in choosing their course of study.
PAPERCUTS