Source: Fortune
Summary
In Singapore, unemployed college graduates are turning to government-funded traineeships, known as GRIT, to gain industry experience. The program offers a monthly allowance of $1,400 to $1,850, less than half the median graduate’s starting salary. Despite the program’s launch, applications have fallen 90% between October and February, with only half of the 800 roles filled by March. Graduates are hesitant to join the program due to the low compensation and stigma associated with it.
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The numbers tell one story.
The GRIT program, launched by the Ministry of Manpower, aims to provide graduates with industry-relevant experience. However, the low compensation and stigma associated with the program have discouraged many graduates from applying. The program’s uptake has been slow, with only half of the 800 roles filled by March. The government’s intention to cap trainee allowances at half of the median graduate’s first salary has also been met with criticism.
The strategy enters a familiar phase. As the job market remains competitive, graduates are forced to take on low-paid traineeships to gain experience. The GRIT program has become a stopgap for graduates to get ahead, but at what cost?
Author: Evan Null
