Work-Study Programme vs New Job: Which is better?

 As a fresh graduate, it is normal to face rejections when applying for your first job. The cut-throat competition and company expectations require job seekers to upskill in order to stand a chance of employment.

In such scenarios, many people are often confused between applying for jobs relentlessly or to enroll in a SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme (WSP), where they can earn a salary while studying. While the latter seems obvious for a structured career progression, many fresh graduates still sway towards looking for a job.

Well, here are some reasons why enrolling yourself in a WSP is better than sitting idle and hunting for jobs.

You Won't Sit Idle

In a Work-Study arrangement, you will work full time during the day and get trained by mentors after your shift. This means you won't waste your time hoping to get a job or procrastinating about upskilling yourself. You will be busy upskilling yourself through structured On-The-Job-Trainings (OJTs) aligned to your WSP framework.

Structured Career Progression

In a Work-Study Programme, your training will be aligned to the participating company’s procedures, frameworks and job roles. This gives you a clear indication of what is required from you and how you can progress in the company. By enrolling in this, you will also be assigned a mentor who will guide and support you along the way. Unlike job hunting, a WSP gives you a sense of direction and allows you to plan your career progression with the company.

Practical Experience and Training

During the programme, you will receive On-the-Job Trainings where you’ll be able to apply what you have learnt in theoretical lessons. The first-hand experience of working in the industry will provide you with a better relevancy to your course of study.

Earn While You Learn

In a WSP, you will be earning a salary while you learn and upskill yourself as an employee whereas during a job hunt, it will come out from your own expenses to attend for courses or workshops to improve your employability.

Final Word

A WSP gives you a structured career progression, allowing you to apply what you have learnt immediately and most importantly, enables you to earn while you learn. It is thus a much better option than job hunting for fresh graduates in Singapore.