More graduates from the polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education (ITE) will be able to pursue higher qualifications while working, with 10 new work-study courses being launched in 2024.
The five polytechnics will add these programmes in the growing digital, green and care sectors, expanding the range of training opportunities for students, said Second Minister for Education Maliki Osman on July 17.
Of the 10, three courses started classes in April, and the rest will begin in the second half of 2024.
Speaking at the annual Skills Future Work-Study Fair held at Republic Polytechnic, Dr Maliki said that work-study graduates have enjoyed good employment outcomes, with more than nine in 10 securing jobs within six months after completing the programmes.
Most students stayed at the companies that sponsored them for the programme.
"Many said that the programme equipped them with skills and competencies for larger or higher job roles, which were reflected in their salaries," said Dr Maliki. On average, six months after finishing the programme, graduates earned 33 per cent more than before, he noted.
He also cited figures from a recent study on wage outcomes of polytechnic graduates in workstudy courses from 2018 to 2021 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which showed they earned more during the programme than their peers who started working immediately.
This story is from the July 18, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 18, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Fans' 'cheers' inspire Kenya to their first trophy
The crowd of 1,280 at the OCBC Arena on Sept 7 may have comprised mainly Singaporean supporters, but that did little to intimidate Kenya's netballers who were facing the hosts in the Mirxes Nations Cup final.
TRIBUTES, TEARS FOR BISHOP
Netball coach steps down for personal reasons; Yeo to lead S'pore to Asian c'ship
Rodrygo pleased to score in 'ugly' Brazil win
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo did not mind an \"ugly win\" as long as his struggling Brazil side beat Ecuador at home on Sept 6.
DESIRE, PASSION BEHIND ITALY'S WIN
Spalletti praises young side's mental strength and teamwork in comeback victory in France
Wedding can wait for doubles champ Kichenok
Newly crowned US Open women's doubles champion Lyudmyla Kichenok had plans to get married this week but revealed on Sept 6 that her unexpected appearance in the latter stages of the Grand Slam forced a postponement.
Cheptegei's death highlights domestic violence in Kenya
Moureen Atieno Omolo was unable to sleep for days after hearing about the deadly attack on Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, whose former boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her ablaze on Sept 1.
Several Asian states 'capable of hosting Olympics'
Better marketing for the Asian Games and getting more sponsors on board will be high on the agenda when Randhir Singh takes over as president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Sept 8, the veteran administrator told Reuters.
TEEN SIMMERS DOWN TO WIN WORLD TITLE
Second-year pro surfer blocks out emotions to beat ace Marks; Florence is men's champ
Transport issues but LA28 aims to deliver best show
Los Angeles cannot compete with the iconic landmarks of the Paris Olympics, but LA28 organisers are confident the Hollywood factor and their city's identity will help them raise the bar when they host the global event.
DUO'S GOLDEN SLAM IS 'STUFF OF DREAMS'
Hewett and Reid finally add the Paralympic crown to their 21 Slams to emulate Djokovic
