Thank you, Minister Tan.
NTUC has been actively engaging youths and workers on the ground to understand their concerns during this period of economic uncertainty. Over the past few months, we have gathered insights from over 11,000 individuals through a mix of activities. Workforce survey, polls at our Institutes of Higher Learning and office locations, including focus groups and ground sensing from our union leaders and industrial relations officers.
One group that we are paying closer attention to is our young jobseekers entering the labour market, especially during this time of global uncertainty. They are anxious, and I understand their anxiety. We observe that they face four Gaps in their transition into the workforce.
Skills Gap, Expectation Gap, Job Opportunity Gap & Experience Gap
Firstly, a Skills Gap
Some youths feel unprepared to enter fast-evolving fields, such as ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance. They have asked for more targeted upskilling, both industry-relevant technical skills and soft skills.
Second, an Expectation Gap
We have also heard that our youths have different expectations in terms of play, work-life balance, or job fit.
Third, Opportunity Gap
Many graduates are concerned about the impact of global instability and the AI impact on job availability and job nature. Some are extending internships, and there is a growing perception that hiring for entry-level roles has slowed.
Fourth, an Experience Gap
Even when jobs are available, many employers still prefer candidates with prior industry experience. This puts first-time jobseekers at a disadvantage, somewhat of a dilemma, creating a tough cycle, as they need a job to gain experience, but need experience to get their first job.
You can see how these four Gaps come in a cycle to somewhat cause anxiety for many of these students coming into the workforce. I think these are valid concerns, and it is a sign that our young workers care deeply about meaningful, sustainable careers.
But as Minister Tan has highlighted, the labour market remains resilient today. There are job opportunities for our young workers.
So, we do encourage our young workers, our youths, to keep an open mind. Consider all the different possibilities and the job offers available. Even when they may not feel that the job checks every box, these jobs can open the first doors to experiences, networks and potentially new directions at a very young age.
NTUC will work with tripartite partners, and we will try our very best to highlight existing tools that we have and programmes that are in the works.
NTUC will strengthen our support for youths transitioning from the schoolhouse to work.
NTUC Youth’s programmes equip youths with job-search skills, networking opportunities, learning journeys to companies, and industry-mentorship programmes. Since 2017, some 12,000 youths have benefited from these initiatives, and we will attempt to scale these up and serve the youth better.
For those seeking more support, can I encourage you to consider the NTUC Starter membership? This provides access to 1-on-1 mentorship and the NTUC’s Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) that can be used to offset course fees and career prep programmes covering resume writing, interview skills and so on.
For our displaced workers, NTUC is stepping up support across retrenchment, placement, and transition in these spaces. The Job Security Council (JSC) will go upstream to advance workers’ wages, welfare and work prospects. Priorities include working with companies through our Company Training Committees (CTCs) to have better jobs; supporting workers to upskill; and developing and refining products and services to enable purposeful job matching.
These are done in coordination with Tripartite Partners and especially with the government, just like the SkillsFuture Jobseekers Support Scheme.
Through NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), individuals – including youths – can access a range of career advisory tools and services, including career coaching, job matching, and skills upgrading advice.
We are looking at leveraging technology and AI to scale these services, particularly in career coaching, to scale up and serve more workers, more effectively.
Workers are not facing these current issues alone. Under Singapore’s tripartite model, with the Government, employers, and unions working in close partnership, this is really a true strength for us to tackle the challenges and seize new opportunities. As we have done before, we will act early, stay united, protect jobs and livelihoods together.
To our employers’ partners, in SNEF and in SBF, I do continue to urge you to keep investing in our young talent, including our young graduates, because the people you bring in today will shape your future, our future together.
To our workers, please be assured that NTUC stands with you, and we will walk this journey together with you.
Thank you.
