Finishing college is often imagined as the gateway to opportunity, but for many fresh graduates, the reality is quite different. The moment you step out of your university gates with a degree in hand, you enter a job market that is more competitive than ever. Employers, even for entry-level positions, often demand one to three years of experience.
Yet, how can graduates gain experience if no one is willing to give them that first chance? This paradox leaves many young people anxious, uncertain, and stuck in limbo at a stage where they should be starting their careers.
Introducing GRIT: Bridging the Gap
Singapore, aware of these struggles, has introduced a programme designed to bridge the gap: the GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT). Announced alongside the GRIT@Gov initiative for public sector placements, this scheme aims to equip fresh graduates with relevant skills and hands-on exposure, easing their transition into full-time employment.
At its core, GRIT offers up to 800 structured traineeships lasting three to six months across diverse sectors, from financial services and ICT to manufacturing and wholesale trade. Fresh graduates from universities, polytechnics, ITE, and even private or overseas institutions are eligible to apply.
During the traineeship, participants will receive a monthly allowance ranging from S$1,800 to S$2,400, with the government covering 70% of the cost and the host organization funding the remaining 30%. This support ensures that graduates can focus on building skills without the burden of unpaid work.
Learning from the Past: SGUnited Traineeships
The idea is not entirely new. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore rolled out the SGUnited Traineeships Programme, which supported more than 12,500 young people at a time when companies had frozen hiring. Many participants later secured long-term roles because of the experience they gained. GRIT builds on that legacy but with a sharper focus on today’s growth industries and evolving career pathways.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng emphasized the programme’s intent: “Graduates cannot obviously obtain the required experience if they are not offered the opportunity in the first place.” GRIT is therefore about creating that very opportunity, a stepping stone into industries that would otherwise seem out of reach.
Why GRIT Matters Today
What makes GRIT particularly relevant today is its flexibility. Beyond traditional corporate roles, it opens doors to the public sector through GRIT@Gov, coordinated by the Public Service Division.
It also acknowledges the changing aspirations of young Singaporeans, who are exploring careers in startups, social enterprises, creative industries, and even digital content creation.
As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted in his National Day Rally, the scheme helps graduates “keep their skills sharp” while giving them the confidence to navigate an uncertain economic climate.
The message is clear: GRIT is not just about filling time until the economy improves, it is about shaping futures. By combining structured training, financial support, and exposure to real workplaces, the programme provides a lifeline for graduates entering a job market filled with challenges.
For fresh graduates, landing a dream job may no longer happen immediately after graduation. But with GRIT, they gain something equally valuable: the chance to learn, adapt, and prove themselves. In a world where experience often matters more than degrees, this could be the opportunity that makes all the difference.
