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Manpower Minister Mr Tan See Leng told Parliament that the recent dip in full‑time permanent job rates for polytechnic graduates is largely due to a post‑COVID hiring correction and broader economic and employer caution, rather than a sudden structural problem. According to the 2025 Polytechnic Graduate Employment Survey (GES), about 90% of polytechnic graduates in the labour force found jobs within six months of finishing school or National Service, slightly down from 90.4% in 2024 and the peak of 95.8% in 2023, reflecting a normalisation after unusually strong post‑pandemic hiring. Of those employed in 2025, 54.2% secured full‑time permanent roles, while others chose part‑time/temporary work, freelancing or starting their own ventures. Tan also reaffirmed that over the past decade polytechnic graduate employment outcomes have been relatively stable, with around nine in ten finding employment within six months and noted ongoing efforts by the Government to work with polytechnics and industry partners to ensure graduates have industry‑relevant skills, internships and career guidance to navigate the evolving job market. The GES is jointly conducted by NYP, NP, RP, SP and TP. Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Principal and CEO of NP, said, “Our polytechnic graduates have continued to demonstrate resilience, securing opportunities in growth sectors including finance, healthcare and social services amid economic uncertainty. We will continue to strengthen our industry-focused curriculum, expand workplace immersion opportunities and enhance career guidance, to equip our learners with the skills, confidence and agility to build meaningful and sustainable careers.”

[The Online Citizen]