Education Ministry and SkillsFuture Singapore enhance employer incentive for ITE

SINGAPORE. Ministry of Education, Singapore (03 March 2026) - The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Work-Study Diploma is a key diploma upgrading pathway for ITE Nitec and Higher Nitec graduates. Employers deliver about 70 to 80 per cent of the curriculum through on-the-job training (OJT), and ITE delivers the remaining 20 to 30 per cent through classroom learning.

The programme allows trainees to earn and learn while working towards a diploma qualification. Since its launch in 2018, ITE has expanded the pathway significantly, from 4 courses and 100 trainees to 45 courses and 1,600 trainees in 2025. Graduate employment outcomes have been positive, with graduates earning a median starting salary of $2,975.¹

As part of MOE Singapore's ongoing efforts to expand the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme, and to support the ITE students to upgrade to a Diploma and strengthen their employment outcomes, MOE and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) had set earlier this year to enhance the employer incentive for the ITE Work-Study Diploma.

For new cohorts from April 2026, ITE will enhance the financial support for employers participating in the Work-Study Programme by increasing the grant per eligible trainee. To improve take-up and efficiency, the disbursement mechanism will also be revised.

Currently, the incentive is claim-based and subject to qualifying activities, which may result in employers not receiving the total quantum. Under the new framework, the higher incentive will be disbursed through scheduled milestones, guaranteeing that employers who complete the programme with their trainees receive the full sum via a simplified process.

The enhancement of the employer incentive will better recognise employers' commitment to OJT and support the cost of participation in the Work-Study Diploma, including costs of training, course fee sponsorship, and salary payment during classroom training. These enhancements aim to encourage more employers to come onboard, leading to even more ITE applicants being placed on the programme. 

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