In any economy, tradesmen with specific technical skills are highly valued as professionals. While an ITE education is a good starting point, what else can you do to boost your chances at nailing that job?

by Kurt Ganapathy

Founded in 1992, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) has come a long way from its origins as a provider of basic vocational training. Having evolved into a world-class and award-winning educational institution, its graduates are valued by employers in Singapore and the region for being technically adept and industrially relevant.

Today, it is not uncommon to hear of ITE students going on to polytechnics, excelling there, and even being admitted to local universities. Many ITE graduates now hold managerial and supervisory positions, and there are others who have become self-made entrepreneurs.

Even with all this success, the focus of ITE has remained true throughout - providing students with a broad-based and practical learning experience. This means that anyone who decides to join the workforce after obtaining a National ITE Certificate (NITEC) will still be sought after by employers.

Joining the Workforce
A recent survey showed that about half of ITE students go on to further their education right after graduation. However, for one reason or another, others choose to enter the workforce armed with a well-rounded but focused education.

To many employers, having a NITEC signifies that the holder is a competent and intelligent individual who has learned relevant hands-on skills. Furthermore, with courses specifically designed to meet Singapore’s labour demands, ITE graduates can gain entry into niche areas that may not be so accessible to others.

As with any job market however, competition for jobs is a given. If you’re thinking of rolling up your sleeves and getting straight into the workforce, we want to give you an edge. Here’s our guide to what you can do to give yourself a boost in employability.

NITEC in Chemical Process Technology (Pharmaceutical)
The Relevance of Your Course
- Singapore is a world leader in the research of new pharmaceuticals with many foreign companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer having operations here.

- A NITEC in Chemical Process Technology would place a graduate at the centre of this rewarding field.

- Skills taught such as analysis of plant material, control of air and water pollution, and maintenance of safe and healthy environmental conditions at pharmaceutical plants are all valued by employers

What You Can Do
- Visit the websites of pharmaceutical companies as most offer a “Careers” page with a list of the positions available. Also, find out about the working culture at the company to see if it suits you.

- Assess which environment you are most suited for and can contribute the most to.

- Keep up with new developments in this rapidly advancing field to make the transition to working life easier.

NITEC in Digital Animation
The Relevance of Your Course
- A young discipline, still in its early stages of development in Singapore. Graduates have a great opportunity to get involved in the creative and exciting industries of film and television.

- The wide array of skills taught such as character design, animation, lighting and rigging, as well as post-production work allows graduates to jump right in.

- Renowned studios like Lucasfilm have already set-up a base in Singapore, and there will be more to come.

What You Can Do
- Keep an eye out for short-film competitions as they give you exposure and experience as well as provide additional material to expand your portfolio.

- Collaborate with other students to produce short films. Be in the know, get involved with future productions to exchange ideas and grow your network.

- Put in extra effort to find out about employment opportunities as jobs in this line may not always be advertised in mainstream media.

- Don't be afraid to do creative work independently, learn how to accept criticism and use it to your advantage.

NITEC in Service Skills (Tourism)
The Relevance of Your Course
- Tourism has always been a key pillar in Singapore's economy.

- With Formula One and the Integrated Resorts here, tourist numbers stand to skyrocket in the next few years especially when the increase in budget flights is considered.

- Graduates have learned how to arrange tour and flight itineraries, recommend destinations and tours to customers depending on their needs, and also organise the various aspects of a tour.

What You Can Do
- Read up about Singapore and the significance of our landmarks along with any anecdotes to liven up the tour.

- Be well-versed with the various cultures that visit Singapore to avoid offending their sensibilities unknowingly.

- Find out how you can improve on your service, for example, by upgrading your communication skills.

Reinforce Your Resume
Co-Curricular Activities (CCA)
- Participation in CCAs gives you a chance to showcase your non-academic abilities to potential employers

- Through being in a club or society, or participating in sport, you show that you are able to multi-task, handling both school and CCA.

- A leadership position will validate you as someone with additional skills. Alternatively, be a team player and showcase your effort.

- Many CCAs involve events and programs that can be directly relevant to your future work. Many skills are portable however so look at how you can adapt these for your potential employer

Community Involvement Program (CIP)
- Clocking CIP hours is a great way to show that you care for others around you and the environment you live in.

- Such activities show that you are compassionate and caring, and that you are willing to go the extra mile without expecting anything in return.

- To many employers, the quality of a person is as important as the quality of their academic performance.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards
If finances are tight for you, consider taking up these options to help tide you over. Some even lead to direct careers after graduation.

- The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship to Encourage Upgrading, and the Tay Eng Soon Scholarship. Up to ten of each are awarded annually. Both offer a monetary award with the Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship additionally offers a waiver of polytechnic course fees.

- The Community Development Council & Citizen's Consultative Committee-Institute of Technical Education (CDC & CCC-ITE) Scholarship. This is awarded to the top 10% of 'O' and 'N' Level ITE entrants.

- To those in need of financial assistance, consider the CDC & CCC-ITE Bursary which is open to all students with a gross monthly household income of under $1500.

- For students interested in a career with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) can check out the SAF ITE Sponsorship Scheme (SISS). This sponsorship covers most of the costs of an ITE programme. In addition, a monthly allowance is also provided.

- Other monetary awards, including but not limited to, the ITE Sports Excellence Award, ITE Arts Excellence Award, Edusave Awards for Achievement, Good Leadership and Service, as well as the Good Progress award.

- Many companies and organisations offer their own scholarships and awards with trainee programmes and even options for subsidised plans to further your studies after some years working with the company.

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