Traineeship training is an earn-as-you-learn training scheme. You will learn a skill and earn a monthly salary at the same time. Training comprises:
Off-the-job training at an ITE campus or Approved Training Centre and on-the-job training at the sponsoring company in an actual work environment.

Who can be a trainee?

School leavers who have GCE ‘N’ or GCE ‘O’ level of education can apply for a traineeship course.

What are the courses that I can apply for?

ITE offers a wide range of courses under traineeship. The courses you can apply will depend on your qualification and interest. You may want to refer to our traineeship brochure available at the Customer Service Centre for the courses and the entry requirements.

Please take note that not all courses listed will be available at every intake. For details of the courses offered at each intake, please refer to the courses published for each intake advertisement. Click here for details of courses offered under the April 2008 Intake.

How long is a traineeship course?

The duration is between one and three years depending on the level and type of training.

Will I be granted deferment from National Service if I apply for a traineeship course?

If you meet the conditions set by the Ministry of Defence, ITE will help you to obtain deferment from National Service.

What is the difference between a traineeship and full-time course?

A traineeship course offers you on-the-job training at a company and off-the-job training in an ITE campus or Approved Training Centre. You will receive a monthly salary from the sponsoring company. The sponsoring company will also pay your course fees and other training costs.

A full-time course offers you both theory and practical training at an ITE campus. You attend classes from Mondays to Fridays and you can participate in Co-Curricular Activities (CCA). Students in a full-time course have to pay their own course fees.

A traineeship and a full-time course will lead to the same ITE qualification.

When can I apply for a traineeship course?

We have two intake points a year - January and April. Application starts in October and December for the January intake and February for the April intake.

How can I apply for traineeship courses?

There are two ways to do so. You may apply direct to the company when it advertises in the newspapers. After you are successful at the interview, the company will register you with ITE.

Alternatively, you may apply through ITE Headquarters Customer Service Centre located at 10 Dover Drive during the intake exercises or apply through the ITE website provided you have attended a briefing session on traineeship courses.

I am a foreigner with GCE 'N' / 'O' qualification. Am I eligible for a traineeship course?

Traineeship courses are opened to all. However, because trainees have to be employed by companies, foreigners will have to have a valid work pass for the duration of training. The sponsoring companies decide on whether they want to take in foreigners

Is there any age limit for signing up for a traineeship course?

Generally, there is no age limit. However, the sponsoring companies may have their own requirements. Please refer to intake materials for details.

What types of certification will I receive at the end of my training?

On successful completion of your course, ie passed the necessary exams and satisfy the requirements, you will be awarded a nationally recognised certificate ie. National ITE Certificate (Nitec). You will also receive a Certificate of Traineeship jointly signed by the company and ITE.

How much is the course fee for a traineeship course?

When you take up a traineeship course, your course fees will be paid by your employer.

Do I need to sign an agreement with the company? What are the terms like?

Yes, you will need to. The traineeship agreement spells out your role and responsibilities and those of the company.

You are expected to complete the training once you have registered for a traineeship course (ie signed the Traineeship Agreement). If you leave without completing your training, you will need to reimburse the company the cost incurred in sponsoring you. The amount is known as liquidated damages (LD).

If I withdraw from the course, will there be any penalty imposed?

There will be no penalty within the first month of signing the agreement. After this grace period, you are liable to compensate the company for the amount spent on you. The amount of LD will be determined at the time of your withdrawal from the course.

What progression opportunities do I have as a trainee?

Trainees will enjoy the same progression opportunities available to graduates of full-time courses. Nitec graduates may upgrade through the relevant Higher Nitec courses or Nitec technical graduates with a GPA of 3.5 and above may apply for progression to the first year of relevant Diploma courses offered by the Polytechnics.

How are our interest as a trainee protected in areas such as educational / general welfare matters?

Upon signing the Traineeship Agreement, both the company and you will have to honour the terms and conditions stated.

The sponsoring company will agree to train you as well as assign a trainer to supervise and monitor your progress. The company will release you to attend classes and pay you a monthly salary and other training costs. On top of that, an ITE officer will check that you receive the proper training. He will visit you at the company and check your training records regularly to monitor your progress. You can contact him if you have any problem at work.

Do I have to contribute to the CPF if I take up a traineeship course?

Yes. You will have to contribute to CPF as you are an employee of a company.

How can I obtain more information on traineeship training?

You can reach us through any of the following means:
Customer Service Centre
ITE Headquarters
Podium B, 2nd Storey
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138683

Tel: 1800 CALL ITE (1800 2255 483)
Email: training@ite.edu.sg. We shall reply to your email within two working days.

How do I get to the ITE HQ Customer Service Centre?

If you are coming by train, alight at Buona Vista MRT Station (EW21) and cross the road to board SBS bus service number 198. At the 4th bus stop, alight from the bus and cross the road using the overhead bridge to ITE HQ. You can also take bus service number 74, or 196. Hop off immediately when the bus makes a right turn at Dover Road. Follow the road signs and you will arrive at ITE HQ in no time.