Students taking part in the internship programme locally (SIP) or overseas (OSIP) are final year students of Temasek Polytechnic (TP). Their capability is determined by the course of study.

Industry partners can access a pool of students who are well equipped with in-demand skills and are able to provide a fresh perspective on processes, ideas and projects. You gain interns who are passionate about what they do, hungry to learn, dare to challenge assumptions and are eager to contribute towards the organization.

Beyond these, industry partners may also find students that are suitable for full-time employment post-graduation. 

The duration of the internship generally ranges from 16 to 26 weeks and it varies for the different diplomas. (Click here for SIP dates.)

SIP can be carried out locally or overseas. Participating organisations undertakes the following key responsibilities:- 

• Training Programme

Submit a Student Internship Programme (SIP) Application Form and provide the training programme/project outline/job scope of the interns. This form could help to identify the nature of training the student will be receiving, and facilitate matching the right student (in terms of specialisation) to the job.

The organisation is also required to work with the polytechnic on a set of mutually agreed learning outcomes for the SIP before the SIP commences. The training programme should provide relevant learning activities that are likely to lead interns towards the desired learning outcomes.  These learning outcomes and training programme will be used to prepare students on the organisation’s expectations and requirements.

• Organisation Supervision

Student Internship Programme (SIP) intern should have an in-organisation supervisor to oversee his/her performance. This will help ensure compliance with job requirements and practices of the organisation. At the end of the SIP, the supervisor will assess the performance of the intern; ascertain if opportunities are given to him/her and if the desired learning outcomes are met.

In addition, the organisation supervisor will oversee matters such as endorsing the daily attendance, verifying the intern’s record of activities, supervising his/her training, etc. If there are any doubts, organisation supervisor can co-ordinate with the Liaison Officer assigned by the polytechnic.

• Liaison Officer

One or more assigned TP staff will act as Liaison Officer(s) between the organisation and the interns. The organisation will liaise with the Liaison Officer (LO) from the polytechnic on all matters relating to the SIP interns.

The role of the LO is NOT to provide technical advice/assistance to interns or the project(s) assigned to the interns.  His/her role is to mediate on any issues, if any, arising between the organisation and the interns. 

• Performance Appraisal

The organisation, in particular the supervisor, will be required to provide feedback on the performance of each SIP intern by completing a Performance Appraisal Form. This will be submitted to the polytechnic through the Liaison Officer at the end of the attachment period.  The overall result will be recorded in the intern’s transcript.

SIP takes place every academic year (click here for the Academic Calendar). The polytechnic begins to process the SIP applications as early as four months before the commencement of the respective SIP periods (click here for SIP dates). This is to allow sufficient time for clarification, processing and allocation. The polytechnic encourages organisations to apply early to secure placements.

The amount differs amongst different industry sectors. As a general observation, the minimum amount ranges from S$450 to S$650 (inclusive of public holidays). Allowance should be paid directly to the intern by cash, cheque or through a bank transfer.

Organisation should inform the polytechnic in advance on payment/non-payment of other allowances such as overtime. Although overtime is not encouraged, off-in-lieu is expected for work beyond 44 hours per week. The overtime work should be limited to 12 hours per day and not more than 72 hours of overtime work per month.

For an Overseas SIP (OSIP), the polytechnic will cover the student’s airfare (inclusive of airport taxes) and VISA application, subject to a cap of S$1,000. It is recommended that participating organisation provides accommodation and/or an allowance to the interns, though this is not a requirement. Nonetheless, organisation is requested to assist the interns to make accommodation arrangement regardless of whether free accommodation is given.

Participating organisation need not:

• Contribute to the Central Provident Fund and Skills Development Fund.
• Apply for work permit for non-Singapore citizen student.

Students are covered under the polytechnic's Group Personal Accident (GPA) insurance policy. In addition, students on internship/attachment are covered under a ‘Student Work Injury Compensation (WIC) Insurance for students on internship/attachment’ purchased by the polytechnic.

Interns are generally expected to follow the operating hours of the organisations to which they are attached. If shift work is required, this should be made known to the polytechnic before the internship commences.

The total number of working hours for each intern should not exceed 12 hours (including overtime) in a day and the total number of working hours should not exceed 44 hours per work-week to align with the Ministry of Manpower’s Singapore Employment Act. Interns should also be given a reasonable break time for meals.

All interns should work in the organisation’s premises made known to the polytechnic. Liaison Officer must be informed of alternate arrangements, if any. 

It is possible for the polytechnic to work with your organisation to identify student(s) for the internship position(s) and arrange for appropriate interview(s).

Organisations keen on participating in our OSIP scheme may choose one of the following models of collaboration:-

• Interns are assigned to your organisation for the entire period of the work attachment. This scheme is the most common model of OSIP.
• Interns work in your Singapore branch/office for a period of time, followed by a stint in your overseas branch/office.
• Interns undertake project work on the polytechnic's campus in Singapore followed by an overseas attachment for the rest of the attachment period. This scheme will allow the students to complete part or all of the development work in Singapore, and allow time for them to install/implement the system and conduct training on how to operate the system/machine within your organisation.

It is recommended that interns go in pairs i.e. two students of the same gender.  This is because two interns can be housed together for cost consideration and companionship.

Subject to negotiation, the host organisation should work with the polytechnic and assist in the following (where possible):

1. Provide or source for suitable accommodation for the interns.
2. Advise on insurance coverage/ immigration requirements for interns (if applicable).
3. Liaise with the local authorities regarding the necessary documentation for the interns (if necessary).
4. Arrange transfers to & from airport/train/coach station.
5. Provide a letter indicating that the company will sponsor the interns during their stay in the host country. This letter is necessary for the interns to apply for the student visas.

Parental consent is needed for all overseas attachments/assignments. They are subject to the polytechnic's approval as well.

It is good to give sufficient time for the interns to prepare for the trips and comply with relevant requirements such as vaccination and regulatory clearance.

• At least three months from the departure date is required for working outside Singapore for the entire period.
• At least three weeks in advance from the departure date is needed in the case of short trips (e.g. a few days to two weeks) to neighbouring countries.