Press Release - ITE Offers 10 New Work-Study Diplomas

 Jointly developed with industries, ITE’s Talent Development Programme expands to include 10 more skill areas for more ITE graduates to upskill and progress in their careers.

As part of the Government’s move towards encouraging skills upgrading, ITE will be offering 10 new Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) programmes from April 2020. Previously known as Work-Learn Technical Diplomas, these 10 new WSDips will bring the total number of WSDips offered to 24. The expansion of WSDips to these new skill areas will help encourage more ITE graduates to attain higher qualifications.

2          Come 2020, some 600 trainees are expected to begin training in the 24 WSDips.  The WSDip programmes last between 2.5 and 3 years, with 70 per cent of curriculum time conducted via On-the-Job training at the workplace. The WSDips, targeted at ITE graduates, are developed and designed in close partnership with employers. Such partnership is essential in ensuring ITE graduates are equipped with deep skills needed by industry.

A Talent Development Programme Supported by Industries

3          This year, a total of 268 companies will be working together with ITE to develop industry-relevant programmes for our graduates. These companies inked their partnership by signing Letters of Acceptance during a Signing Ceremony that was witnessed by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education, at ITE College East on 26 November 2019.

4          ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd was one of the companies to collaborate with ITE on the new WSDip. ExxonMobil participated in the programme in 2018 and took in 10 trainees for the WSDip in Chemical Process Technology in 2019. Having seen results with the programme, they are looking to take in a further 10 trainees in 2020.

5          Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Mr Gan Seow Kee, said, “This programme helps provide a valuable talent pipeline to meet ExxonMobil’s human resource needs. We have always believed in developing local talent. The Work-Study Diploma programme helps ensure that they receive well-structured training while they work towards increasing levels of job responsibilities and seniority. With this robust learn and work experience behind them, there’s no limit to how far good performers who exhibit strong leadership qualities can go because we promote based on merit, not just paper qualifications.”

6          As part of ExxonMobil’s commitment towards developing talent in ITE, they have supported the setting up of a Mixed Reality Centre in each of the three ITE Colleges. These Mixed Reality Centres will leverage Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to enhance students’ and adult learners’ training. The official opening of the three Mixed Reality Centres, including the Centre at College East that focuses on chemical plant work processes, was witnessed by Management from ExxonMobil and ITE.

7          Another company continuing its support is The American Club. The two trainees who joined the Club in April 2019 are performing well. The Club’s positive experience has encouraged them to take on more trainees this year.

8          “The WSDip is a unique programme, and while we were cautious when we first learned about it, we now have full confidence in ITE and its students who are well-trained. This programme allows us to engage trainees for a longer period than a regular internship. If we are willing to invest in their future and do a good job of training them, we will gain a good employee during the duration of the course, and beyond, if they enjoy their time here,” said Ms. Tan Lee Lee, Senior Director of People Development, The American Club.

Golden Opportunity for Better Prospects

9          The WSDip has attracted a total of 422 trainees since it started in 2018. The feedback, thus far, has been promising, with many trainees enjoying their work. For current trainee and ExxonMobil employee, Aloysius Lim, the WSDip programme is his ticket to a better future, “Working and studying has benefited me greatly. I’m in my mid-20s and plan to settle down. With this Work-Study Diploma, I am able to study and learn new skills while earning an income. This will give me better prospects.” Aloysius is undergoing the WSDip in Chemical Process Technology with ExxonMobil.

10        Arina Kalyisah Bte Mohamad Ramzan Alzri  who works at the Front Desk at The American Club, credits the programme for helping her develop her confidence. “I used to be an introvert and didn’t like talking to people. But I took up the WSDip in Lifestyle & Recreation Management because I wanted to pick up new skills and further my studies. I love the course and I love working at the Club. It’s very interesting and because I’m forced to speak to so many people daily, I am now more of an extrovert!”

11        Arina’s fellow trainee Nur Shafina Bte Mohd Sharom, believes that “the partnership between The American Club and ITE is a win-win situation that allows current and potential employees to expand their horizons outside of the school environment, and further enhance their working capabilities and experiences under the WSDip”. 

12        Bryan Tee, a WSDip in Data Centre Infrastructure & Operation trainee with Equinix Singapore Pte Ltd, was also full of praise for the programme, “I am sponsored by the company; I don’t just study, I get actual job experience from the workplace; and I also get paid during the course of study. It is as real as it gets. I am enjoying the WSDip experience so far. Prospects are good; the school environment, the company environment, are also quite good. They don’t just randomly find a company, they find (reputable) ones that really support you through your studies and treat us like permanent staff. The salary is very competitive. The work-learn mode of training is the way to go for the future.”

Application Requirements

13        The WSDip programmes are open to both fresh and in-employment ITE graduates who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, and have:

• A relevant Nitec with a Grade Point Average (GPA) score of at least 2.0; or
• A relevant Higher Nitec; or
• Any other Nitec/Higher Nitec, two years’ relevant work experience, and support from their employers. Employers must be participants of the WSDIP programme.

14        Non-ITE graduates with relevant experience and strong employer endorsement will also be considered. Male applicants must have completed National Service.

15        Phase 2 Registration for the WSDIPs will open on Monday, 9 December 2019. Applicants can register via the ITE website at www.ite.edu.sg.

16        More information on the specific requirements for each programme is available in the course booklet.

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