Year-long internships offered to 3,000 tertiary students to counter AI threat to entry-level jobs
The internships will be available to students in ITE, polytechnics, and universities.
Singapore's government has announced plans to offer around 3,000 new year-long internships to tertiary students over the next three years, aiming to counter the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level employment. These credit-bearing internships can be part of the curriculum before graduation and are designed to help students develop in-depth work experience and close skill gaps caused by AI automation.
Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How emphasized that these internships provide students with time to contribute to substantial projects, learn from experienced colleagues, and build professional judgment. He highlighted the need for collaboration between educational institutions, employers, industry associations, and the government to bridge the gap between school and work.
The internships will span various industries, including tech, finance, and healthcare, and will be co-designed by IHLs and employers. Companies such as OCBC, Accenture, and PSA have participated in previous runs. The cost of hiring is co-funded by IMDA, with firms receiving up to $1,000 monthly per intern. The goal is to push back against the practice of accumulating numerous internships with diminishing returns, and to focus on the quality of experience gained.
Polytechnic graduate Pei Joon Yi shared his positive experience from a year-long internship, stating that it allowed him to build upon his technical skills, develop soft skills, and become more independent in approaching new projects. Tan also called for a shift in hiring practices, urging employers to prioritize skills and experience over educational qualifications.
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