Things to take note about SGUnited Traineeship

The SGUnited Traineeships Programme was rolled out in June 2020 to allow fresh graduates to sharpen their skills and gain industry insights as they continue their job hunt.

By taking up a traineeship, graduates can boost their employability in preparation for when Singapore’s economy recovers. When that happens, some trainees may be converted to full time staff of their traineeship companies.

This programme allows tertiary graduates from 2019 to 2021 (males who completed National Service during this time as well) to take up traineeships across various industry sectors, including manufacturing, food and beverage, infocomm technology, logistics, healthcare and retail.

Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible for the traineeships which last up to 12 months.

About 76,000 people have been placed into jobs, traineeships, attachments and skills training as of end 2020. This year, the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package is getting another boost to offer up to 35,000 traineeship and training opportunities.

Here are more things that you should know about SGUnited Traineeships:

Traineeships are meant to give fresh graduates the skills which they would need when they hold a full-time job in the future. It also lets trainees experience what the working world is like.

Traineeships available include those in the human resources field, where trainees will learn about the statutory compliances and labour laws in Singapore, and in the production field, where trainees will pick up skills such as scriptwriting and assisting in filming productions.

A traineeship allowance – of which 80 per cent is funded by the Government – will be provided too. However, this means that a trainee is not covered by the Ministry of Manpower’s employment act.

Currently, trainees are given an allowance of $1,100 to $1,500 for ITE graduates or equivalent, $1,300 to $1,800 for polytechnic graduates or equivalent and $1,800 to $2,500 for university graduates and above.

However, from Apr 1, allowances for ITE graduates or equivalent will be increased to between $1,600 and $1,800, while allowances for polytechnic graduates or equivalent will be increased to between $1,700 and $2,100.

The allowance rate was revised in Budget 2021 so that trainees will get more allowance amid the uncertain economic climate.

However, trainees do not get CPF contributions from employers, nor will trainees have to contribute to their CPF too, unlike full-time employees.

You can leave your traineeship company anytime as long as sufficient notice is given to your traineeship company (most companies will put a notice period in your contract).

Providing a valid reason, such as getting a full-time job, for leaving your traineeship is crucial.

But what happens if your traineeship company prevents you from leaving?

If you have met the conditions to leave, you can report them to the Singapore Business Federation, which oversees the SGUnited Traineeship Programme.

Trainees are not entitled to sick and annual leaves. This means that missing work will see trainees’ allowances deducted proportionately.

However, that does not mean that trainees should force themselves to turn up for work even when they are sick, especially given the current COVID-19 situation.

If you are unwell, do not go to your workplace. Immediately call your boss and see a doctor, it would be best if you can go to a Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC).

First, you can jump for joy! When you’re done, ensure that your traineeship company draws up a new contract for you to sign to ensure that you will be covered under the employment act.

Your new contract should include details like working hours and overtime pay, days of annual and sick leave, public holidays off time, CPF contributions and of course, your monthly salary.

Keen to sign up for a traineeship? Then click here.