New government-backed scheme offers 800 placements, but graduates weigh risks and rewards
Landing a first job has become tougher for Singapore’s fresh graduates. With competition fierce and employers seeking experience, the new Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) aim to fill the gap by offering structured stints across growth sectors. But can these placements truly ease the path into full-time work?
Struggles of Fresh Graduates
After sending over 150 applications, Ms N, a 24-year-old computer science graduate, found herself jobless for half a year before securing a developer role. Like many peers, she faced a demoralising wait, despite holding a degree in a high-demand field. “The only comforting factor is that I know many, many people are going through the same thing as me,” she said.
What GRIT Offer
From October 2025, GRIT and GRIT@Gov will provide up to 800 traineeships in sectors such as ICT, finance, manufacturing, and wholesale trade. The three-to-six-month stints offer a monthly allowance of S$1,800 to S$2,400, with 70 per cent co-funded by the government.
Eligible applicants include Singaporean and PR graduates from ITE, polytechnics, universities, and overseas institutions in 2024–2025, as well as postgraduates without prior full-time work. Roles will be posted on MyCareersFuture and Careers@Gov, with organisations such as Grab, Micron, OCBC, ST Engineering, and Sea participating.
A Balancing Act for Jobseekers
Some graduates see GRIT as a safety net. Others are hesitant. Ms N noted that while the allowance helps, it falls below entry-level salaries. Without a “clear pathway to full-time conversion,” she worried that trainees risk being “stuck in a cycle of temporary stints.”
Another jobseeker, SW, 27, said he was keen to explore GRIT as a “decent starting point,” though he wanted clarity on host organisations and prospects. His concern echoed a broader anxiety among graduates facing shrinking opportunities even in tech-related roles.
Lessons from SGUnited Traineeships
Singapore has turned to traineeships before. During COVID-19, the SGUnited Traineeship (SGUT) placed over 12,500 graduates from June 2020 to March 2022, with nearly nine in 10 finding jobs within six months after their stint. Yet feedback revealed limitations:
- Six months was too short for meaningful growth.
- Lack of CPF contributions affected financial stability.
- Clearer conversion pathways could have improved outcomes.
Some, however, benefited. Former trainee Terence Tian, 31, secured a full-time role within three months, while others like Bernice Leong, 28, cited valuable mentorship despite uncertainties.
Debate Over Value
Critics such as Clarence Ching, founder of Access Singapore, argue GRIT risks becoming “an extended internship” without structured elements like workshops or clear hiring criteria. Manpower Minister of State Alvin Tan, however, defended traineeships as one of many options alongside apprenticeships, internships, and work-study programmes.
Better Than Standing Still?
For many graduates, GRIT may serve as a practical stopgap. As former SGUnited trainee Wei Yongji put it, “Having a traineeship means you’re picking up work experience instead of spending all your time on a prolonged unsuccessful job search.” For others, flexibility—whether in job choice, salary expectations, or career direction—may be the key to survival in a crowded market.
The launch of GRIT underscores Singapore’s effort to prepare graduates for a tougher employment climate. While not a perfect solution, the scheme offers skills, exposure, and financial support during uncertain times. Its true test, however, will be whether it provides genuine stepping stones into lasting careers—or remains just another short-term fix.
Sources: CNA (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Graduate Industry Traineeships, GRIT Programme, Fresh Graduate Jobs, Singapore Job Market, Workforce Singapore, SGUnited Traineeships
