Longer traineeships with job outcomes for fresh graduates being planned, says Jasmin Lau

Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau announced plans for government-supported longer training programs for fresh graduates in Singapore. These structured traineeships aim to equip graduates with skills for not just entry-level positions, but also future career advancements in growth sectors. The potential scheme must result in full-time job placements for participants, according to Lau, who made her remarks in her first interview with local media following the July Cabinet reshuffle.

The proposed program will be modeled after the successful Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) scheme, which ran from October 2025. GRIT offers three to six-month training in various industries, including manufacturing, financial services, IT, and professional services. Six out of ten GRIT alumni were found to be employed. However, Lau noted that longer training programs are necessary to ensure meaningful skill development, especially considering the impact of AI on entry-level jobs.

She emphasized the importance of job outcomes in the training programs, stating that companies should be committed to providing employment at the end of the program. The minister also highlighted the potential success of apprenticeship models, drawing from her experience in the GovTech agency, where 12 to 18-month apprenticeships with mentorship and regular assessments are conducted.

Lau stressed that the specific requirements of different sectors would need to be considered in designing the new training program, as it is impractical to replicate the GovTech model across all industries. Despite the current job market situation being "not dire," Lau emphasized the need to ensure graduates graduate with confidence and a clear path forward in their careers.