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Growing Together Through Lifelong Learning

Published on: 03 Mar 2026

NewsPress releases

Enhancements to ITE's Work-Study Diploma Employer Incentives

1. 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. This 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

2. As part of MOE's ongoing efforts to expand the SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme, and to support our ITE students to upgrade to a Diploma and strengthen their employment outcomes, MOE and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will enhance the employer incentive for the ITE Work-Study Diploma. For new cohorts from April 2026, ITE will:

  1. Increase the incentive quantum from $15,000 to $20,000 per eligible trainee whom employers hire and train; and
  2. Simplify the incentive disbursement. Currently, the $15,000 incentive is paid out based on employers' claims upon completion of specific qualifying activities. Depending on the amount claimed, employers might not access the full $15,000. In contrast, the new $20,000 incentive will be disbursed at several milestones over the course duration. This means an employer who sponsors an eligible trainee through the full Work-Study Programme will receive $20,000 through a streamlined administrative process.

3. 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.

Footnotes
  1. Figures are based on the 2024 Work-Study Programme Outcomes Survey.