JumpStart: Supporting ITE Graduates in their School-to-Work Journey
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The Institute of Technical Education (ITE)’s Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) – a 2.5-year apprenticeship that combines classroom learning with on-the-job training at the workplace – provides ITE graduates a valuable pathway to upskill and attain a diploma while gaining real-world experience. To grow this pathway, a key strategy is large-scale structured mentoring in support of WSDip. The shift from school to the workplace, especially in the early stages of the WSDip, can be challenging for some. Mentorship can make a significant difference, giving them the confidence, clarity, and skills to thrive in their roles.
By supporting youths through this important transition, we help them gain the qualifications, experience and confidence needed to thrive in their careers. Each step they take towards higher education and better career prospects builds a stronger foundation for financial stability and personal growth.
By supporting youths through this important transition, we help them gain the qualifications, experience and confidence needed to thrive in their careers. Each step they take towards higher education and better career prospects builds a stronger foundation for financial stability and personal growth.
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE), together with Quantedge Foundation Singapore (QFS) and The Astronauts Collective (TAC), has launched JumpStart - the first mentoring initiative for ITE’s Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) programme. As part of the collaboration, ITE will partner youth organisation, The Astronauts Collective, to deliver the mentoring programme, while Quantedge Foundation will provide funding and strategic support.
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Quantedge Foundation, the Institute of Technical Education, and The Astronauts Collective to launch JumpStart, witnessed by Senior Minister of State for Education, Dr Janil Puthucheary
Through JumpStart, TAC’s volunteer mentors guide ITE students through three key stages of their school-to-work journey:
JumpStart exemplifies how partnerships between the public, people, and philanthropic sectors may be used to build new pathways for social mobility in Singapore. Starting with 250 mentees in 2025, we are laying the groundwork to scale JumpStart in future years. This initiative will also help us build a strong community to support youths who may not have guiding adults in their lives, and spark the wider adoption of mentoring practices.
Through this strategic trilateral partnership, we hope to grow the WSDip from 1,600 trainees in 2025 to 2,000 trainees annually. QFS is committed to supporting ITE students in pursuing opportunities and realising their aspirations. Uplifting these youths will remain at the heart of QFS' philanthropic mission in the years ahead.
- Career Discovery: Helping current ITE students explore their interests, uncover opportunities, and consider the WSDip as a meaningful upskilling and career pathway
- Career Access: Supporting graduating students to boost their likelihood of securing a WSDip placement with partner companies
- Career Preparedness: Equipping new WSDip trainees with the skills, mindset, and confidence to excel in the workplace
JumpStart exemplifies how partnerships between the public, people, and philanthropic sectors may be used to build new pathways for social mobility in Singapore. Starting with 250 mentees in 2025, we are laying the groundwork to scale JumpStart in future years. This initiative will also help us build a strong community to support youths who may not have guiding adults in their lives, and spark the wider adoption of mentoring practices.
Through this strategic trilateral partnership, we hope to grow the WSDip from 1,600 trainees in 2025 to 2,000 trainees annually. QFS is committed to supporting ITE students in pursuing opportunities and realising their aspirations. Uplifting these youths will remain at the heart of QFS' philanthropic mission in the years ahead.
Intended outcomes
- Grow the number of WSDip trainees to 2,000 annually at steady state
- Benefit hundreds of mentees each year through JumpStart