Access Singapore has introduced a pilot apprenticeship programme, Access Apprenticeships, aimed at providing polytechnic graduates with alternative career pathways amidst a challenging job market. Supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation, the initiative will place 16 apprentices in sectors such as hospitality, community development, auditing, and energy, offering them competitive salaries and full-time benefits.
The programme was launched at *SCAPE Singapore, with Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, attending the event. Clarence Ching, Founder and Executive Director of Access Singapore, emphasised the programme’s goal to shift focus from “jobs” to “careers” and from “qualifications” to “skills”, aiming to bridge the opportunity gap for diploma holders.
The initiative responds to findings from the Polytechnic Graduate Employment Survey, which revealed that 28.2% of polytechnic graduates took up part-time or temporary jobs upon graduation. Access Singapore’s survey of 400 recent graduates showed that 44% doubted their career advancement opportunities, highlighting the need for improved social mobility.
The apprenticeships, lasting 18 months, include two weeks of classroom training followed by on-the-job training. Participants will also receive professional certification from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, LinkedIn Premium subscriptions, and access to mental health support if needed. Applications are open until 8 March 2026.
