CoE SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree (WSDeg)


ENHANCING STUDENTS' JOB-READINESS

The Committee on the Future Economy has recommended the introduction of new modalities of education and training at the Institutes of Higher Learning as there are tangible benefits for students to be exposed to on-the-job training (OJT). CoE's SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programmes  are purposed to enhance students’ readiness for the workplace after graduation by integrating institution-based learning with structured OJT in partnership with employers. Students benefit from greater exposure to the professional work environment, allowing them to learn on the job, acquire and deepen jobskills, and cultivate an understanding of real-world practices through multiple internships, culminating in an industry-sponsored WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP).
   

PROGRAMME OPTIONS
  
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE


The WSDeg comprise approximately 54 weeks of OJT and industry-sponsored FYP integrated into the 4-year undergraduate curriculum. The OJT components include:


•   Work Term 1: PA (10 weeks in Year 2 Special Semester from May to Jul; 5AU)
•   Work Term 2: PI (20 weeks in Year 3, either Semester 1 from Aug to Dec or Semester 2 from Jan to May; 10AU)
•   Work Term 3: PA (11 weeks in Year 3 Special Semester from May to Jul; 5AU)
•   Work Term 4: PA Winter (5 weeks in Year 4 Winter from Dec to Jan; 3AU)
•   WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP): (40 weeks in Year 4 Semester 1 & 2, minimum 8 hours/week; 8AU)

Note:

1)  Block 1 & 2: These Discovery/Exploratory blocks allow students to develop foundational skillsets and fundamental industry insights before commitment to a focused job role/function. Students may choose to stay with the same company for both Work Term 1 and 2, or select a different company for each Work Term.

2)  Block 3: Students are expected to commit to one of the companies they have engaged with in earlier work terms (either Work Term 1 and/or 2).

3)  The AU for the 3 PA in Work Term 1, 3 and 4 will be drawn from students' Broadening & Deepening Electives (BDE). Interested students should plan their studies accordingly to free up 13AU of BDE for the 3 PA.


HOW TO APPLY

Students will be invited to apply in Year 2 Semester 1 via email.


TUITION FEES

The tuition fees for the WSDeg are pegged to the fees for the corresponding Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science programme. For more information, please see here. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.    What is a SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree Programme?
  
The Committee on the Future Economy recommended the introduction of new modalities of education and training at the Institutes of Higher Learning as there were tangible benefits for students to be exposed to on-the-job training (OJT). CoE's SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programmes  are purposed to enhance students’ readiness for the workplace after graduation by integrating institution-based learning with structured OJT in partnership with employers.
 
While strengthening the partnership between CoE and industry leaders in shaping the next generation of professionals, students benefit from greater exposures to the professional work environment, allowing them to learn on the job, develop soft skills and cultivate an understanding of real-world practices through multiple internships culminating in an industry-sponsored WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP). 
 
2.    What is the structure of the WSDeg?
 
CoE’s WSDeg comprise approximately 54 weeks of OJT integrated into the 4-year undergraduate curriculum. Please refer to Programme Structure above.
 
3.    What are the benefits of the WSDeg to participating students?
 
  • As trainees, students can acquire work-relevant skills and vital work experience through learning and application of relevant competencies at the workplace.
  • Students are being prepared to be work-ready after graduation.
  • Students gain early exposure to a company’s working environment and culture, resulting in better chance of conversion to full-time employment upon graduation.
4.    How can students apply for the WSDeg?
 
Students will be invited to apply in Year 2 Semester 1 via email. This is timed ahead of Work Term 1 which will take place during the special semester of Year 2.   
 
5.    Can students choose the company for each Work Term?
 
Yes, students can select the company to join for Work Term 1 and 2. For Work Term 3, students are expected to commit to one of the companies they have engaged with in either Work Term 1 and/or 2. However, note that final placement for each Work Term is decided by companies on a competitive basis.
 
6.    Can students take up the Work Terms non-consecutively at various points in their candidature?
 
No, students must complete the WSDeg based on the recommended study plan to ensure that they will complete their degree requirements and graduate on time. Upon enrolment into the WSDeg, students are to plan their studies and activities (e.g. overseas exchange) carefully to ensure that their OJT will not be disrupted.
  
7.    What happens if students are unable to complete their coursework on time?
 
Students are required to plan their academic workload from Year 1 to ensure that they are on track to complete their coursework before participating in the WSDeg. If students are compelled to overload their coursework because of failing a course, they may be asked to exit the WSDeg.
 
8.    Can students withdraw from the WSDeg after they have registered?
 
Students have to decide carefully if they wish to embark on the WSDeg. Students on the WSDeg are encouraged to stay committed to the programme. 
  
9.    If offered a job by the company after completion of the WSDeg, is it mandatory for students to accept the job offer?
 
No, students should exercise their discretion to make informed career decisions.
   
10.    Can international undergraduates participate in the WSDeg?
 
Yes, international students are eligible to apply.
1.    What is a Work-Study Degree Programme?
 
The Committee on the Future Economy recommended the introduction of new modalities of education and training at the Institutes of Higher Learning as there were tangible benefits for students to be exposed to on-the-job training (OJT). CoE's SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programmes are purposed to enhance students’ readiness for the engineering workforce after graduation by integrating institution-based learning with structured OJT in partnership with employers through internships and industry-sponsored WSDeg Final Year Projects (FYP).
 
WSDeg strengthen the partnership between CoE and industry leaders in shaping the next generation of professionals. Students benefit from greater exposure to the professional work environment, allowing them to learn on the job, develop soft skills and cultivate an understanding of real-world practices. Companies benefit from a steady supply of skills- and career-minded students. They will be able to gain early access to talents in CoE and groom them over time. 
 
2.    What is the structure of the WSDeg?
 
CoE’s WSDeg comprise approximately 54 weeks of OJT integrated into the 4-year undergraduate curriculum. Please refer to Programme Structure above.

3.    What are the benefits of the WSDeg to participating companies? 

  • Host companies gain a contributor while the trainee is still studying.
  • It provides an early opportunity to recruit, assess and groom suitable talent.
  • The OJT ensures relevance of training specific to the company’s needs and culture.
  • It improves retention by fulfilling the trainee’s upgrading aspirations.
4.    How can industry partners participate in the WSDeg?
 
Companies that would like to participate in the WSDeg can register their interest with NTU's Career and Attachment Office (CAO), please see contact information below. As participation in the WSDeg requires commitment over time, companies may be required to sign an agreement with NTU.
  
5.    What is expected of WSDeg host companies?
 
The broad expectations are:
  • Provide OJT for students in a safe environment and assess their capabilities for potential employment in the company upon their graduation.
  • Assign a suitable supervisor(s) in the company to provide guidance to student(s).
  • Provide an examinable Final Year Project topic.
  • Assess students’ Work Term performance based on the assessment scheme provided by NTU.
 Detailed internship provision terms are available for reference upon request.
   
5.    Can host companies select the students for OJT?
 
Host companies can select students based on their respective hiring practices. They are also encouraged to conduct interviews to shortlist and finalise their selection of student(s) they deem suitable to bring on board for the OJT.
 
6.    Must host companies take the same student for all their OJT terms?
 
We encourage companies to use WSDeg as a talent development pipeline. As such, having the same student attached to the same company for all their OJT terms will serve the vital purpose of grooming, developing and assimilating the student into the organisation culture towards eventual full-time employment with the company. Companies with different recruitment strategies may choose to take in different students at different OJT periods.
   
7.    By when should the host company confirm students’ placement for OJT?
 
NTU's Career and Attachment Office (CAO) will commence engagement between students and companies (e.g. company visits, interviews etc) approximately 6 months ahead of the scheduled Work Term. Prior to this, companies are required to submit their interest to participate in the WSDeg to CAO, see contact information below. 
  
8.    Is it mandatory to provide remuneration to students?
 
Companies are required to provide the regular internship allowance to students attached to their organisation for internships. However, remuneration is not mandatory when the student is pursuing their WSDeg FYP.
 
9.    What happens when the company decides to withdraw from the WSDeg?
 
We strongly discourage the host company from withdrawing from the WSDeg once a student’s placement has been confirmed.
   
10.    Is it mandatory for the host company to hire students after the OJT is completed?
 
We strongly encourage companies to use the WSDeg as a talent development pipeline for their fresh graduate recruitment. However, participating in the WSDeg does not mandate companies to employ their interns upon graduation.

INFORMATION & ENQUIRIES

For Students 

For more programme information or enquiries, please refer to our contact list here.


For Companies

Ms Sabrina Chew
Assistant Director
Career & Attachment Office
Email: [email protected]
DID: 6904 7288


Information is accurate at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to update any of the programme options and curricula without prior notice and obligation.