In 2024, as a recent polytechnic graduate with big dreams, I eagerly embarked on my job search journey. However, it took me a whole year to finally secure a position. It seems like many other polytechnic graduates in Singapore also faced challenges last year.
According to the latest Graduate Employment Survey (GES) released on Jan 13, 2025, fewer polytechnic graduates in Singapore were able to secure employment in 2024. Despite this, it was found that more of them received higher pay, with humanities graduates earning the highest salaries among different courses.
Worryingly, the survey revealed that only 87.5% of polytechnic graduates were able to find permanent, freelance, or part-time jobs within six months of graduation or completing full-time national service. This is the first time the figure has dropped below 90% since 2020, mainly due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19 on the job market.
However, there is some positive news amidst the challenges. Despite the decrease in job placements, salaries for employed graduates have been on the rise. The median gross monthly salary for graduates in full-time permanent jobs was S$2,900, showing an increase from the previous year.
In response to the survey results, Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister of Education, expressed optimism about graduates’ resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing world. He highlighted the positive trend of graduates commanding higher salaries across various sectors.
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and Chief Executive of Singapore Polytechnic, acknowledged the evolving job market landscape and emphasized the institution’s efforts to equip students with the necessary skills and adaptability. These efforts include strengthening industry partnerships, integrating AI literacy into the curriculum, and enhancing career guidance and support services.
Overall, while the employment rates for polytechnic graduates may have declined, there is a silver lining in the form of increasing salaries and efforts to prepare students for the competitive job market.
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[Feature Image Credit: NYP via Facebook]
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