The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is planning longer traineeships to help fresh graduates gain work experience and move into full-time jobs. Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau said the Government is exploring a programme that could last up to a year, with the aim of reaching at least 1,000 graduates from the 2027 cohort, 8world reported on 13 November 2026.
Graduates Could Work on Real Projects With a Mentor
Speaking to The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao, Lau said employers would need to commit to having a full-time job available at the end of the placement. MOM would work with companies to identify the skills graduates need to progress beyond entry-level roles in growing industries. Lau pointed to close mentoring and certification as features the programme could borrow from apprenticeships.
In comments reported by 8world, Lau likened the proposal to management trainee programmes at some banks and tech companies. Graduates could rotate through departments or stay with one team while working on real projects. Companies would need to assign supervisors and plan the training, she said. The Government is considering covering part of the salary and training costs to encourage companies to take part.
What MOM Learned From Three-Month Placements
The proposal draws on the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) programme, which began in October 2025 and offers placements lasting three to six months. Lau told The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao that three months gives employers little incentive to invest heavily in training.
About 250 graduates had completed GRIT training by the time of the interview, and six in 10 had found work, Lau said in figures reported by Lianhe Zaobao.
