Singaporean polytechnic graduates have a new pathway to full-time employment with the launch of an 18-month apprenticeship program offering 16 roles in fields including hospitality, auditing, and energy. The program, launched by social mobility charity Access Singapore, aims to provide on-the-job training with salaries comparable to those earned by diploma holders.
New Apprenticeship Program Details
The apprenticeship program, which begins in July 2026, will provide participants with monthly salaries ranging from $2,700 to $3,800, along with medical benefits and bonuses. Applicants include polytechnic students graduating in 2026, as well as those who graduated within the last two years. Applications opened in January and will close in March, with approximately 100 applications received to date for the 16 available positions.
Addressing Employment Trends and Graduate Concerns
The launch follows a recent Graduate Employment Survey by the five polytechnics, which found that 54.2 percent of graduates were in full-time permanent jobs six months after graduating, earning an average salary of $3,000. However, a separate survey conducted by Access in 2025, with responses from 400 recent polytechnic graduates, revealed that 44 percent doubted opportunities for career advancement in their current roles.
Respondents indicated that peer support, clear job expectations, and mentorship were valuable forms of support during the transition to work, though 45 percent reported limited access to mentors. Common challenges faced by new graduates include adapting to workplace culture, learning new systems, and managing workload.
Program Support and Funding
During the apprenticeship, graduates will participate in professional courses at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, receive complimentary LinkedIn Premium membership and coaching, and have access to networking opportunities and peer programs. The program is funded by the societal impact arm of Macquarie Group, with partner companies covering relevant employment costs.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, and Sustainability and the Environment, Goh Hanyan, highlighted the evolving job market for young Singaporeans, shaped by the post-pandemic context, artificial intelligence, and a shifting global order. Clarence Ching, founder of Access, emphasized the need for greater support and skills development to improve social mobility for polytechnic graduates.
Graduate Perspective
Zhuo Junhui, a cybersecurity student at Nanyang Polytechnic, expressed surprise at the program’s offering of full-time employee benefits. He plans to utilize the apprenticeship as an option after completing national service, while also considering pursuing a degree in computer science or information security. He noted the program provides “more freedom in my choices” given the niche nature of the cybersecurity industry.
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