NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to partner in strengthening career planning and job security for Singaporeans. As part of their MOU signed today, SAPE and e2i will bolster job matching and professional development for private education graduates, with the key objective of developing a sustainable and competitive local workforce as the economy recovers from COVID-19.

SAPE and e2i jointly organised a virtual career fair from 14 to 18 February 2022, where students connected and engaged with prospective employers. Chat with Industry Experts – a live discussion on 14 February with representatives from e2i, the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, talent recruitment (CTES Consulting) and financial services (United Overseas Bank) – allowed local jobseekers to consider the future of employment amidst new socioeconomic developments and technological advances.

Tapping on e2i’s expertise, private education institutions (PEIs) members under SAPE will review their career guidance services to enhance job placements for local fresh graduates entering the workforce and mature graduates seeking career progression or conversion. Upskilling and reskilling will ensure continued employability for local workers over the long term. Furthermore, SAPE and e2i will collaborate on strengthening the capabilities of private education graduates, and tap on NTUC’s Job Security Council ecosystem of employers, so that the graduates can remain relevant to the evolving manpower needs of businesses operating in Singapore.

“Our partnership with the Singapore Association for Private Education will enable local private education graduates to tap on e2i’s extensive network and resources for job placement. We hope to support them with job and training opportunities to develop industry-relevant experiences and skills, so as to gain the competitive edge that they will require to thrive in the post pandemic economy,” said Caryn Lim, CEO of e2i.

“Singapore Association for Private Education is thrilled to partner with e2i in strengthening our alignment to the needs of Singapore’s economy and enhancing career prospects for our local graduates. The private education sector will build on our strong foundation of quality training and seek to help employers bridge skill gaps and overcome talent shortages. In addition, SAPE members look forward to working closer together with e2i in developing our own employees, so that we can better support the manpower needs of the Singapore economy over the long haul. As we collectively bolster all boats in our nation, we will stand better prepared to catch the rising post-pandemic tide,” said SAPE President Vivakanandan Sinniah.