While it is a challenging time to come of age, Singapore will ensure that there is no “lost generation”, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.
“The pandemic might have set back your plans temporarily, but the virus will not stop you from fulfilling your potential,” he said at a virtual career symposium organised by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
Mr Heng said that the labour movement, companies and the Government will provide the strongest support to the youth and overcome this difficult phase together.
He urged young people to turn anxiety into action in three ways: equipping themselves with skills and experiences for when the economy recovers; volunteering and helping the community; and contributing passion and ideas to shaping Singapore’s shared future through initiatives like the SG Youth Action Plan.
This event was among NTUC’s initiatives to support young people in Singapore secure jobs, upgrade their skills, and navigate the job landscape in a post-pandemic world.
Topics discussed at the event include modernising traditional businesses and the changing employment landscape in Singapore.
It included networking sessions for attendees and job preparation tips such as resume reviews.
About 800 participants attended the symposium.
Around 10 employers offering over 140 positions across their companies, which included production company Hoods Inc and electronics giant Philips, shared about their company culture and the types of talent development programmes available at their firms.
Young NTUC, which has over 170,000 members aged 35 years and under, also launched a Start Work Package for graduating students and young working professionals. The package includes access to grants like the NTUC Union Training Assistance Programme.
The organisation also launched a series of virtual career programmes in April, which provides young people with access to a virtual mentorship network where they can seek career advice and guidance.
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Source: The Straits Times, 10 June 2020