You may have heard this story before – a jobseeker goes for a job interview and comes away with a certain impression about what to expect should he get the job. He gets the job and three months down the line, he calls it quits because expectations do not match reality.
This was why the Career Trial (formerly Work Trial before April 2018) scheme was introduced.
Its aim is to strengthen employment outcomes for Singapore citizens through a short-term work stint with an employer.
The Career Trial might have the right job for you, whichever sector you might be interested in.
Some sectors that provide the trial include early childhood education, infocomms technology, real estate, health and social services, hospitality, security, cleaning and landscape.
Your company can also make use of this scheme to hire workers that are a better fit for their organisation.
According to the Manpower Ministry, the number of jobseekers placed through Work Trial (now Career Trial) went up by five times, from about 100 in 2016 to 500 in 2017.
So, if you know anyone who might need a new career, you should encourage them to take this up. Here’s more about Career Trial.
What is Career Trial?
It is a programme offered by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) under the Adapt and Grow initiative to strengthen employment outcomes for Singapore citizens through a short-term work stint with an employer.
When it was launched in 2016, it was called Work Trial. To help jobseekers try out more jobs and assess new careers, it has been enhanced and renamed Career Trial.
How does the programme work?
The Career Trial is applicable when there is a need for a trial period for the employer and jobseeker to assess job fit, considering factors such as occupation, industry and individual profile.
Who is eligible for the programme?
All Singapore citizens who are unemployed and have been actively seeking employment on a permanent basis before the start of the Career Trial. They should also be at least 16-years-old and have completed full-time studies and National Service.
What are the criteria for companies to take part?
All employers registered or incorporated in Singapore can apply for the programme. However, they must be actively hiring for jobs paying $1,500 or more. They must also offer employment to suitable individuals on permanent or contract terms that are no less than one year after completion of the Career Trial.
Will there be any funding support for workers and companies?
Yes, in fact, the funding allowances have been enhanced. The maximum training allowance for individuals has been doubled from $1,200 per month to $2,400 per month.
What’s more, the salary support to employers and the Additional Retention Incentive will be available for all jobseekers who are unemployed for six months or more. Under the previous scheme, it was only given to those unemployed for 12 months or more.
The Government will also increase the maximum salary support to employers, from $3,600 to $5,400 per individual over a six-month period.
How can companies and workers apply for the programme?
Companies and individuals can refer to the WSG website for more details.
You can also approach Careers Connect under WSG at or NTUC’s e2i for assistance.