Polytechnic Graduates Continue to Find Jobs Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
Post Date: 12 Jan 2021
Close to 9 in 10 graduates are employed within 6 months upon graduation
Singapore, 12 January 2021 – The 2020 Polytechnic Graduate Employment Survey (GES), jointly conducted by Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic, showed that polytechnic graduates continue to be in demand by industry, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the 7,360 polytechnic graduate survey respondents in the labour force, 87.4% were employed within six months of graduation (see Table 1). Another 2.9% had either accepted a job offer or were actively starting a business venture. Of those in the labour force, 52.0% were in full-time permanent employment, while 31.6% were in part‐time/temporary employment, including those on the SGUnited Traineeships Programme which made up 5.2%. Consistent with previous years, about half the polytechnic graduates in part-time/temporary employment indicated that they were concurrently pursuing or preparing to begin further studies.
Table 1: Employment Indicators from 2018 to 2020
Proportion of Respondents in the Labour Force who were: |
Fresh Graduates |
Post-NS (PNS) Graduates |
Combined (Fresh and PNS Graduates) |
||||||
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Employed |
89.0% |
89.1% |
85.4% |
90.5% |
94.1% |
91.9% |
89.5% |
90.7% |
87.4% |
In Full-Time Permanent Employment |
55.9% |
56.6% |
45.8% |
65.7% |
70.7% |
65.5% |
59.0% |
61.1% |
52.0% |
Freelancing |
2.7% |
2.9% |
2.8% |
7.3% |
6.7% |
6.0% |
4.1% |
4.1% |
3.8% |
In Part- Time/Temporary Employment |
30.5% |
29.6% |
36.8%1 |
17.5% |
16.7% |
20.4%2 |
26.4% |
25.5% |
31.6%3 |
Voluntary |
28.0% |
27.3% |
32.8% |
15.9% |
14.6% |
17.1% |
24.2% |
23.2% |
27.9% |
Involuntary |
2.5% |
2.3% |
3.9% |
1.5% |
2.1% |
3.3% |
2.2% |
2.3% |
3.8% |
Unemployed |
11.0% |
10.9% |
14.6% |
9.5% |
5.9% |
8.1% |
10.5% |
9.3% |
12.6% |
Unemployed but starting work soon |
2.4% |
2.8% |
3.4% |
2.1% |
1.4% |
1.9% |
2.3% |
2.3% |
2.9% |
1 Of these, 6.6%-points include graduates on the SGUnited Traineeships Programme.
2 Of these, 2.2%-points include graduates on the SGUnited Traineeships Programme.
3 Of these, 5.2%-points include graduates on the SGUnited Traineeships Programme.
Unemployed and still looking for a job |
8.6% |
8.1% |
11.2% |
7.4% |
4.6% |
6.2% |
8.2% |
7.0% |
9.6% |
Median Gross Monthly Salary of those who are in Full- Time Permanent Employment (S$) |
2,270 |
2,300 |
2,350 |
2,501 |
2,540 |
2,500 |
2,350 |
2,400 |
2,400 |
Note: The percentages may not add up due to rounding off.
The list of definitions for the employment indicators are available in Annex A.
The median gross monthly salary among graduates in full-time permanent employment remained at $2,400 in 2020. Over the last three years, the median gross monthly salaries of graduates from Engineering, Health Sciences, and Information & Digital Technologies have been consistently higher than the overall median for all graduates (see Table 2).
Table 2: Median Gross Monthly Salary by Course Clusters for Fresh Graduates and Post-NS Graduates (Full-Time Permanent Employed only) from 2018 to 2020
Course Cluster |
Fresh Graduates |
Post-NS Graduates |
All |
||||||
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Arts, Design and Media |
$2,050 |
$2,200 |
$2,000 |
$2,500 |
$2,400 |
$2,500 |
$2,200 |
$2,200 |
$2,100 |
Built Environment |
$2,200 |
$2,300 |
$2,230 |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
$2,260 |
$2,300 |
$2,345 |
Business |
$2,100 |
$2,155 |
$2,100 |
$2,600 |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
$2,200 |
$2,270 |
$2,200 |
Engineering |
$2,300 |
$2,350 |
$2,300 |
$2,600 |
$2,550 |
$2,500 |
$2,400 |
$2,470 |
$2,450 |
Health Sciences |
$2,500 |
$2,580 |
$2,550 |
$2,689 |
$2,627 |
$2,698 |
$2,523 |
$2,600 |
$2,553 |
Humanities & Social Sciences |
$2,300 |
$2,400 |
$2,500 |
$2,607 |
$2,656 |
$2,580 |
$2,300 |
$2,450 |
$2,500 |
Information & Digital Technologies |
$2,200 |
$2,300 |
$2,300 |
$2,500 |
$2,600 |
$2,600 |
$2,390 |
$2,450 |
$2,500 |
Sciences |
$2,100 |
$2,023 |
$2,120 |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
$2,150 |
$2,125 |
$2,250 |
Total |
$2,270 |
$2,300 |
$2,350 |
$2,501 |
$2,540 |
$2,500 |
$2,350 |
$2,400 |
$2,400 |
Note: The list of diploma courses under each course cluster is available in Annex B.
Fresh Graduates
8,946 out of 11,909 fresh graduates in 2020 responded to the survey. As at 1 Oct 2020, around six months after the completion of their final examinations, 56.4% of the respondents were in the labour force. 42.9% were pursuing or preparing to begin further studies and hence not looking for jobs. This was an increase from 38.9% in 2019. Most of the remaining 0.7% said they were taking a break and not seeking employment.
Post-National Service Graduates
5,461 out of 9,619 graduates from 2017, who completed their full-time National-Service (NS) between 1 Apr 2019 and 31 Mar 2020, responded to the survey. 42.3% of respondents were in the labour force. 57.2% were pursuing or preparing to begin further studies and hence not looking for jobs; same as 2019. Similar to the fresh graduates, most of the remaining 0.5% said that they were taking a break and not seeking employment.
Polytechnics’ Support for their Graduates
The polytechnics have stepped up efforts to support their graduates amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of providing extensive career guidance and support which includes job matching, personalised career coaching and planning, and complimentary continuing education and training courses, the polytechnics have also tapped on their network of industry partners to curate suitable job placement and apprenticeship opportunities for graduates, such as the SGUnited Traineeship and SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes. Examples of how graduates have benefitted from these opportunities are listed in Annex C.
Speaking on behalf of the Polytechnic GES Committee on the outcomes of the 2020 Polytechnic GES, Mr Clarence Ti, Principal of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said: “This year’s polytechnic graduates are entering the job market in an unprecedented time. COVID-19 has had a major impact on our economy. We are glad that many of our polytechnic graduates have been resilient and managed to secure a job despite the challenging times. Although the pandemic has been disruptive, there are exciting opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, infocomm technology, cybersecurity and e-commerce. The polytechnics will continue to provide career guidance and support to graduates to help them find a job in the area of their training or pivot to the new job roles that are being created.”
Media Release Issued by: |
|
Ngee Ann Polytechnic Ms Lea Wee Corporate Communications Office Tel: 6460 7977 Email: Lea_wee@np.edu.sg |
Ms Chan Yee Chun Corporate Communications Office Tel: 6460 7269/ 9739 4215 Email: Chan_Yee_Chun@np.edu.sg |
| Other Media Contacts: |
|
Nanyang Polytechnic Mr Chung Wen Hua Communication & Outreach Tel: 6550 0234 / 9833 7677 Email: chung_wen_hua@nyp.edu.sg |
Singapore Polytechnic Mr Frank Chua Department of Communications Tel: 9771 7871 Email: frank_chua@sp.edu.sg |
Republic Polytechnic Mr Patrick Seng / Mr Julian Soh Office of Corporate Communications Tel: 9767 6701 / 9018 0719 |
Temasek Polytechnic Ms Vimala Christie Corporate Communications Tel: 6780 5019 / 9790 0319 Email: Vimala_CHRISTIE@tp.edu.sg |
ANNEX A
DEFINITION OF EMPLOYMENT INDICATORS
Employment refers to graduates working in full-time permanent, part-time, temporary employment and freelancing. The employment rate is the number of employed graduates, as a proportion of graduates in the labour force (i.e. those who were working or not working but actively looking and available for work).
Full-time Permanent Employment refers to employment of at least 35 hours a week and where the employment is not temporary. It includes those on contracts of one year or more.
Freelancing refers to those who operate their own business without employing any paid worker in the conduct of their business or trade.
Part-time Employment refers to employment of less than 35 hours a week.
Temporary Employment refers to casual, interim or seasonal employment, including those on contracts of less than one year.
Involuntary part-time/temporary employment refers to those who indicated that they were in part- time/temporary employment as they had tried but were unable to obtain a full-time permanent job offer so far.
Voluntary part-time/temporary employment refers to those who indicated that they were in part- time/temporary employment as they were pursuing/ preparing to commence further studies, taking active steps to start a business venture, due to personal choice and other reasons.
Gross Monthly Salary comprises basic salary, fixed allowances, over-time pay, commissions and other regular cash payments, before deduction of the employee’s CPF contributions and personal income tax. Employer’s CPF contributions, bonuses, stock options, other lump sum payments and payments-in-kind are excluded.
ANNEX B
LIST OF DIPLOMA COURSES SURVEYED
ARTS, DESIGN & MEDIA Diploma in 3D Interactive Media Technology Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations Diploma in Animation Diploma in Animation & 3D Arts Diploma in Apparel Design & Merchandising Diploma in Arts and Theatre Management Diploma in Arts Business Management Diploma in Chinese Media & Communication Diploma in Communication Design Diploma in Communications & Media Management Diploma in Creative Writing for TV & New Media Diploma in Design for Interactivity Diploma in Design for User Experience Diploma in Digital Animation Diploma in Digital Film & Television Diploma in Digital Game Art & Design Diploma in Digital Visual Effects Diploma in Environment Design Diploma in Experience & Product Design Diploma in Film, Sound & Video Diploma in Game Design Diploma in Games Design & Development Diploma in Industrial Design Diploma in Interaction Design Diploma in Interactive and Digital Media Diploma in Interior Architecture & Design Diploma in Interior Design Diploma in Mass Communication Diploma in Mass Media Management Diploma in Media & Communication Diploma in Media Production and Design Diploma in Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design Diploma in Music & Audio Technology Diploma in New Media Diploma in Product & Industrial Design Diploma in Product Design & Innovation Diploma in Retail & Hospitality Design Diploma in Sonic Arts Diploma in Space & Interior Design Diploma in Spatial Design Diploma in Technology and Arts Management Diploma in Visual Communication Diploma in Visual Communication & Media Design Diploma in Visual Effects Diploma in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
BUILT ENVIRONMENT Diploma in Architecture Diploma in Civil Engineering with Business Diploma in Green Building & Sustainability Diploma in Green Building Energy Management Diploma in Hotel & Leisure Facilities Management Diploma in Integrated Facility Management Diploma in Landscape Architecture Diploma in Real Estate Business Diploma in Renewable Energy Engineering Diploma in Sustainable Urban Design & Engineering
BUSINESS Diploma in Accountancy Diploma in Accountancy & Finance Diploma in Accounting & Finance Diploma in Aviation Management & Services Diploma in Banking & Finance Diploma in Banking & Financial Services Diploma in Business Diploma in Business & Social Enterprise Diploma in Business Administration Diploma in Business Innovation & Design Diploma in Business Management Diploma in Business Studies Diploma in Consumer Behaviour and Research Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management Diploma in Customer Experience Management with Business Diploma in Customer Relationship and Service Management Diploma in Food & Beverage Business Diploma in Fund Management & Administration Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management Diploma in Human Resource Management with Psychology Diploma in Integrated Events & Project Management Diploma in Integrated Events Management Diploma in International Business |
BUSINESS (cont.) Diploma in International Logistics & Supply Chain Management Diploma in Law & Management Diploma in Leisure & Events Management Diploma in Leisure & Resort Management Diploma in Logistics & Operations Management Diploma in Maritime Business Diploma in Marketing Diploma in Restaurant and Culinary Operations Diploma in Retail Management Diploma in Social Enterprise Management Diploma in Tourism & Resort Management Diploma in Wellness, Lifestyle and Spa Management
ENGINEERING Diploma in Aeronautical & Aerospace Technology Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering Diploma in Aerospace Avionics Diploma in Aerospace Electronics Diploma in Aerospace Engineering Diploma in Aerospace Systems & Management Diploma in Aerospace Technology Diploma in Audio-visual Technology Diploma in Automation & Mechatronic Systems Diploma in Aviation Management Diploma in Bioengineering Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Diploma in Business Process & Systems Engineering Diploma in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Diploma in Chemical Engineering Diploma in Clean Energy Diploma in Clean Energy Management Diploma in Computer Engineering Diploma in Digital & Precision Engineering Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Diploma in Electrical Engineering Diploma in Electrical Engineering with Eco-design Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering Diploma in Electronic Systems Diploma in Electronics Diploma in Electronics, Computer & Communications Engineering Diploma in Energy Systems & Management Diploma in Engineering Design with Business Diploma in Engineering Science Diploma in Engineering Systems Diploma in Engineering Systems and Management Diploma in Engineering with Business Diploma in Environmental & Water Technology Diploma in Environmental Management & Water Technology Diploma in Industrial and Operations Management Diploma in Infocomm & Network Engineering Diploma in Marine & Offshore Technology Diploma in Marine Engineering Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Diploma in Mechatronics Diploma in Mechatronics & Robotics Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering Diploma in Media & Communication Technology Diploma in Microelectronics Diploma in Multimedia & Infocomm Technology Diploma in Nanotechnology & Materials Science Diploma in Nautical Studies Diploma in Supply Chain Management Diploma in Telematics & Media Technology
|
LIST OF DIPLOMA COURSES SURVEYED (CONT’D)
HEALTH SCIENCES Diploma in Health Sciences (Nursing) Diploma in Nursing Diploma in Optometry Diploma in Oral Health Therapy Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences Diploma in Pharmacy Science
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES Diploma in Applied Drama & Psychology Diploma in Child Psychology & Early Education Diploma in Chinese Studies Diploma in Early Childhood Education Diploma in Early Childhood Studies Diploma in Gerontological Management Studies Diploma in Health Management and Promotion Diploma in Health Services Management Diploma in NIEC (NP) - Tamil Studies With Early Education Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Learning Diploma in Psychology Studies Diploma in Social Sciences (Social Work) Diploma in Sport & Wellness Management Diploma in Sports & Leisure Management Diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences Diploma in Sports Coaching
INFORMATION & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES Diploma in Big Data Management & Governance Diploma in Business Applications Diploma in Business Enterprise IT Diploma in Business Informatics Diploma in Business Information Systems Diploma in Business Information Technology Diploma in Business Intelligence & Analytics Diploma in Cyber & Digital Security Diploma in Cyber Security & Forensics Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Diploma in Digital Forensics Diploma in Engineering Informatics Diploma in Financial Business Informatics Diploma in Financial Informatics Diploma in Game Design & Development Diploma in Game Development & Technology Diploma in Infocomm & Security Diploma in Infocomm Security Management Diploma in Information Security & Forensics Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in IT Service Management Diploma in Mobile & Network Services Diploma in Mobile Software Development Diploma in Multimedia & Animation Diploma in Network Systems & Security |
SCIENCES Diploma in Applied Chemistry Diploma in Applied Chemistry With Materials Science Diploma in Applied Chemistry With Pharmaceutical Science Diploma in Applied Food Science & Nutrition Diploma in Baking & Culinary Science Diploma in Biologics & Process Technology Diploma in Biomedical Science Diploma in Biomedical Sciences Diploma in Biotechnology Diploma in Chemical & Green Technology Diploma in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Technology Diploma in Environmental Science Diploma in Food Science & Nutrition Diploma in Food Science & Technology Diploma in Landscape Design & Horticulture Diploma in Marine Science & Aquaculture Diploma in Materials Science Diploma in Medicinal Chemistry Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology Diploma in Nutrition, Health & Wellness Diploma in Perfumery & Cosmetic Science Diploma in Veterinary Bioscience Diploma in Veterinary Technology |
