Why Your Job Hunt Might Feel Worse Now

This increased influx of jobseekers, even amidst a slight improvement in the overall employment figures for graduates, creates a palpable sense of unease among the 2025 cohort. The official data indicates that 52% of the 2025 cohort were employed by June, an increase from 48% in the 2024 cohort at the same juncture. However, the sheer volume of new entrants means that even with more jobs being secured, the individual experience is one of heightened rivalry for available positions.

Adding to this complexity is the accelerating concern over artificial intelligence (AI) and automation potentially displacing entry-level positions. Graduates are increasingly aware that the foundational skills once sufficient for many starter jobs may now be augmented or even replaced by AI, necessitating a re-evaluation of career readiness and skill sets. This technological disruption introduces an element of uncertainty, compelling graduates to seek roles that offer more robust long-term prospects.

The proportion of graduates in permanent employment has also shown a modest improvement, rising from 37% in 2024 to 44% in 2025. While positive, this still leaves a significant portion of graduates in non-permanent roles, which can include contract work, temporary positions, or part-time employment, contributing to a sense of instability. The journey from graduation to a stable career path appears to be lengthening for many, as initial roles may not always align with long-term aspirations.

However, the efficacy of such programs is often met with mixed reactions from the graduate community. Past iterations, like the SGUnited Traineeship during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated varying degrees of success in converting trainees into full-time employees. The current program, while carefully designed to safeguard quality and prevent the "crowding out" of full-time positions, still faces the challenge of ensuring these opportunities translate into meaningful career progression rather than temporary placements.

The design of these traineeships, including the capped allowance and duration, is specifically calibrated to encourage graduates to prioritize full-time employment while also incentivizing employers to convert trainees into permanent staff. Workforce Singapore (WSG) actively encourages host organizations to facilitate these conversions, even providing allowance subsidies for companies that retain trainees after three months. This strategic approach aims to balance immediate support with long-term career development.

The government maintains that there are still approximately 30,000 entry-level jobs available for fresh graduates. The challenge, therefore, lies not just in the absolute number of jobs but in the match between graduate skills and industry demands, as well as the perceived quality and long-term viability of these positions. Many graduates are seeking roles that offer career growth, competitive remuneration, and a clear developmental trajectory, which may not always be readily available in the current market.

The selection of host organizations for the traineeship program focuses on key growth sectors like financial services and information and communications, industries known for offering a substantial number of quality jobs. This strategic targeting aims to ensure that the traineeships are not just stop-gap measures but provide exposure to dynamic fields with genuine future potential. Regular reviews of traineeship development plans and check-ins with trainees are also implemented to ensure learning outcomes are met and career support is provided.

This psychological impact is further compounded by the perceived pressure to secure a "good" job immediately after graduation, a common expectation in Singapore's highly competitive educational and professional landscape. The increased number of peers actively seeking employment intensifies this pressure, as graduates constantly compare their progress and successes. The cumulative effect can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a diminished sense of professional confidence, even for highly capable individuals.

​The current economic climate demands that graduates proactively refine their skill sets, focusing on areas less susceptible to automation and more aligned with emerging industry needs. This includes developing strong analytical capabilities, digital literacy, and soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and communication, which are increasingly valued in a dynamic work environment. Furthermore, graduates should consider exploring diverse career pathways, including entrepreneurship or roles in less traditional sectors, to broaden their opportunities. The government's continued focus on quality traineeships in growth sectors offers a vital stepping stone, but ultimate success will depend on how effectively graduates leverage these opportunities and continually adapt to the evolving demands of the Singaporean job market.