SINGAPORE: The newly-introduced SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) and SPRING’s existing SME Talent Programme (STP) are complementary initiatives, said Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Apr 13), Mr Teo said SPRING and the Workforce Development Agency of Singapore (WDA) are working closely to harmonise the programmes, which both involve the recruitment of graduates from Polytechnics and Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs).
Both initiatives “aim to develop our human capital, while at the same time address our companies’ need for talent, thereby contributing to the larger goals of SkillsFuture”, said Mr Teo, in response to a question tabled by NMP Thomas Chua.
Mr Teo added that STP will be scaled down over time, and ceased for sectors and job roles that are covered by SkillsFuture ELP.
SkillsFuture ELP is a work-study programme where ITE and Polytechnic students take on jobs in participating companies. It aims to encourage the graduates to enter industries which they are trained for, by providing them with opportunities to earn an income and deepen their skills through a mix of institution-based and work-based training, said Mr Teo.
In the STP, promising students from ITEs, polytechnics and universities will be recruited to join participating small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The companies can engage the students through internship opportunities and study sponsorships, and the students will work in the SMEs after graduation.
news source & image credits: channelnewsasia.com
