From uncertainty to success: NTUC’s e2i brings job opportunities to the heartlands

Darryl Peter Jeret stood at a crossroads.

Armed with a diploma in Automation and Mechatronic Systems from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, the 25-year-old graduate dreamed of joining a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME).

Yet, like many fresh graduates, Darryl grappled with a lack of confidence, unsure how to bridge the gap between his aspirations and the realities of the job market.

“I was very lost after graduating. A lot of people kept saying the job market was bad, but [my career coach] was saying it’s not bad.

“There are a lot of jobs out there; it’s just whether people want them or not,” Darryl said.

e2i’s personalised approach

Enter NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and its network of strategic partners.

Through tailored coaching sessions at ServiceSG@Bukit Canberra, Darryl received the guidance he needed. His e2i career coach helped him analyse his strengths and weaknesses, understand suitable job scopes, and improve his interview skills.

Darryl recalled: “At first I was very reserved because as a fresh polygrad, I felt like I didn’t have experience. So there were some jobs that I looked at … the salary was very high. I thought, ‘I’m not going to go for it. The employer probably wants more experience.

“But e2i told me that it was okay and still an entry level job. They were offering high pay because they know the market. So my career coach pushed me further.”

As a result, Darryl secured his desired role as an assistant engineer at an engineering company, taking the first step on his career path with confidence.

“I’ve been working for three months already. It’s been good. And I’m quite thankful for very supportive colleagues who understand,” Darryl shared.

Expanding opportunities: e2i’s new initiatives

Darryl’s story is a testament to the impact of e2i’s ongoing efforts to connect job seekers with meaningful employment.

e2i announced on 17 August 2024 a significant expansion of its services as part of its efforts to build on such initiatives.

In collaboration with strategic partners, including Forest Wolf, Jobstreet Express, NTUC LearningHub, and Sembawang GRC, e2i launched a comprehensive suite of career coaching and job-matching initiatives for jobseekers.

The new programmes aim to give Singaporeans more job opportunities, particularly in light of ongoing business restructuring and subdued global economic conditions.

The initiatives include expanded career coaching services across ServiceSG Centres, PMET-focused workshops, a new Heartland Job Portal, and upskilling programmes for vulnerable workers in partnership with NTUC LearningHub.

The launch was held at the e2i Skills & Career Fair @ Sembawang, held at Bukit Canberra.

The fair showcased e2i’s commitment to bringing opportunities directly to the heartlands. Health Minister and Grassroots Adviser to Sembawang GRC Grassroots Organisations Ong Ye Kung graced the event.

With 4,500 jobs, ranging from PMET positions to flexible work and micro-jobs, the fair showcased e2i’s broader vision to support Singaporeans in their career journeys.

Twenty-four employers conducted on-site interviews, and more opportunities were made available through e2i’s newly launched Heartland Job Portal.

These new initiatives also augment e2i’s expanded network of career centres and touchpoints and digital tools and resources made available to support Singaporeans as they navigate through today’s dynamic job market.

e2i will also work with the North West Community Development Council to bring more job fairs to the district and support skills upgrading through the Learning Journey booth by SkillsFuture Advice @ North West.

A holistic approach to employment

e2i Chief Executive Officer Caryn Lim emphasised the importance of these initiatives: “Through our collaboration with our strategic partners, e2i’s tailored initiatives aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers and foster a resilient and agile workforce that is able to adapt to the fast-evolving business landscape.

“Our partnership with People’s Association and Sembawang GRC underscores our commitment to bring meaningful employment opportunities to the heartlands, ensuring that Singaporeans can achieve their career aspirations.”

Ms Lim further elaborated on the concept of heartland job portals: “The heartland job portals allow us to curate jobs around the neighbourhood, and this is really what a lot of job seekers are looking for – jobs that are very near their neighbourhood, so they don’t have to travel too far.”

Partnerships for progress

The signing of two memoranda of understanding (MOU) at the event underscored e2i’s comprehensive approach:

1. A partnership with NTUC LearningHub will see the development of upskilling programmes for vulnerable workers affected by business transformation. This collaboration will make jobs and skills advisory services accessible to Singaporeans through NTUC LearningHub’s sales centres in Ang Mo Kio Hub, Causeway Point, CompassOne, Jurong Point, Northpoint, and Tampines Mall.

2. A collaboration between e2i, JobStreet Express, and MCI Career Services aims to expand outreach for employment and employability assistance.

NTUC LearningHub CEO Jeremy Ong highlighted their commitment: “NTUC LearningHub is deeply motivated to continue our collaboration with e2i, our primary placement partner, to empower workers, particularly those at risk.

“It is imperative for them to acquire in-demand and emerging skills to thrive in new and reimagined job roles … Ultimately, our goal is for all training to lead to job outcomes.”

The road ahead: Empowering Singapore’s workforce

As Singapore navigates the complexities of a changing job market, e2i’s comprehensive approach – bringing together government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and community organisations – offers a roadmap for inclusive growth and individual empowerment.

In his opening speech, Minister Ong summarised the initiative’s broader impact: “Even for someone who has a job, they can get a better job. For someone who is already working, maybe somewhere near their home is a better job.

“So we continue to help Singaporeans land jobs and employment that gives them that sense of fulfilment and allows them to balance their work life and various responsibilities better.”

Reflecting on his journey, Darryl said: “I think Singapore is a culture where you just study, study, study, and you don’t really know what’s out there.

“You will usually know the big companies, but when I went for a job fair, I’m like oh, there’s a lot more options now, so it does help a lot.”