Singapore’s economy is reported to have performed better than expected, bringing its economic growth forecast range for 2021 to 6 percent to 7 percent. With Covid-19 vaccination rates also increasingly steadily, there is much hope that the country is finally beginning to recover strongly from the global pandemic.

Companies will be looking to bring in new hires once more as the economy continues to make it way out of the recession. One way to do so with some measure of government support is to tap on the Work-Study Programmes by SkillsFuture Singapore.

What are the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes?

SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes (WSPs) were set up to provide opportunities for Singaporeans to pursue a work-study pathway from the Diploma to Post-Graduate and Degree levels offered by the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and private providers appointed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), as well as the industry.

Essentially, a graduate from the various eligible tertiary education institute (generally ITE and polytechnics) can apply to participate in a WSP, whereupon they will be matched with a job related to their field of study and undergo structured training to help them develop their career. As part of the programme, a trainee will receive a competitive starting salary.

These programmes last between 8 weeks to 4 years, depending on the level of study, sector, job, and training requirements. Typically for an ITE graduate, the structured training programme will span between 12-36 months while poly graduates’ training programme will last for 12-18 months.

Who is eligible to participate in these Work-Study Programmes?

Most Work-Study Programmes are available to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents who are within three years of either graduation from the ITE and Polytechnics or the Operational Ready Date for full-time National Servicemen.

The programme that they are eligible for depends on which education institute they graduated from. Some examples of the programmes that are available are:

Source: SkillsFuture Singapore

Information about other programmes on the way may be released soon, so it may be prudent to check out the SkillsFuture website regularly for more updates and details.

What’s in it for the employers?

For employers who take on these participants, Covid-19 wage support will be provided by the Government for up to 12 months. This is currently pegged at 45 percent of gross monthly salaries, and will apply to new WSP trainees hired from 1 Sep 2020 to 31 Mar 2022. There are also salary caps imposed – at S$2,400 per month for Work-Study Certificate and Work-Study Diploma trainees, and S$3,000 per month for Work-Study Post-Diploma trainees.

More information about Covid-19 wage support can be found here.

How does an employer register for the programme to take on WSP trainees?

Employers can do so by going to this website and selecting a programme to take up. After clicking on “Apply to Hire”, one must then login using their Singpass before being directed to the application form.

Once the application form has been filled out and successfully submitted, a confirmation page with the application details (e.g. Application ID, Date of Application) will be displayed. There will be no acknowledgement email sent. The respective programme managers will then be in touch.

Frequently asked questions regarding employer’s application submission

 Can I save my application form as a draft?

Yes. Please click on "Save and Exit" at the bottom of the application page. Do note that draft applications are automatically deleted from the system 12 months from the last modified date or when the application window of the particular award is closed.

Where can I retrieve my saved draft application?

To retrieve saved application draft, follow these steps:

1) Navigate to https://www.enterprisejobskills.gov.sg

2) Click the "Digital Services" and choose “Employer Applications & Administration”

3) Log in with Singpass. You must be given the relevant digital e-services role by your

organisation's Corppass Admin. Click here for more details

4) Choose the My Applications Tab

5) Under the “Action” column, select “Edit” to continue your application form

Will I be able to submit multiple applications?

Yes, you will be able to submit multiple applications across Work-Study Programmes, limited to one application per programme and subject to approval.

Can I submit my application through a hardcopy application form?

No, you will only be able to submit your application online.

I have been rejected. Can I reuse the same application to re-apply?

No, you will not be able to reuse the previously submitted application for a new application. However, to help you in completing your new application, you will be able to retrieve the details of your past applications by navigating to the Applications page.

Can I update my application after submission?

No. Please approach the contact person(s) listed in the particular programme webpage that you have applied to if you need to edit your application form.

Can I withdraw my application after submission?

If the status of your application is ‘Submitted’ or 'Additional Info. Required', you will be able to withdraw your submitted application. Otherwise, please approach the contact person(s) listed in the particular programme webpage for assistance.

I have withdrawn my application earlier on; can I resubmit a new application?

Yes. You can resubmit a new application if the application window is still open.

Employers who are seeking more information about the respective Work-Study Programmes or have other logistical concerns can refer to this comprehensive FAQ that is prepared specifically for employers.