Firms that convert GRIT trainees to full-time staff will continue to get subsidies

It’s part of efforts to channel as many fresh graduates as possible into full-time jobs

- Shermaine Ang

Companies that convert trainees to full-time employees after at least three months on the new government-funded traineeship scheme for fresh graduates will continue to get allowance subsidies, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng on Sept 23.

Host organisations on the Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) scheme are strongly encouraged to provide full-time employment as part of efforts to channel as many fresh graduates as possible into full-time jobs, said Dr Tan in Parliament.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will track how many trainees find full-time work after 12 months, and the proportion of those employed with their host organisations, he added.

The GRIT scheme will start in October, offering 800 traineeships of three to six months to fresh graduates.

MOM will also regularly make available online job vacancies for fresh graduates, Dr Tan said.

These entry-level jobs range from financial services and professional services to manufacturing and wholesale trade, he said, citing roles such as data analyst, research and development, policy and strategy, in companies like DBS Bank, Micron, Sembcorp and Grab.

Dr Tan was responding to a question from Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Bukit Panjang) on whether companies are hiring for fewer entry-level jobs. A total of 19 parliamentary questions on graduate employment and the GRIT scheme were filed.

Addressing Mr Xie Yao Quan (Jurong Central), who asked if artificial intelligence is displacing entry-level jobs, Dr Tan acknowledged that Al is reshaping these roles, but the shift towards generative AI has also created new opportunities in Al-related fields.