Mentoring SG has created over 20,000 opportunities for youths since its launch in 2022

Key Concepts

• Mentoring SG
• Youth transition from school to work
• Talent scouting
• Co-development of projects
• Green and digital age jobs
• Job shadowing
• Learning exchanges

Mentoring SG: A National Movement for Youth Transition

Mentoring SG, launched in 2022, is a national movement aimed at facilitating the transition of young people from school to the workforce. The initiative has demonstrated significant traction, creating over 20,000 opportunities and securing partnerships with three polytechnics and the global services firm KPMG.

Impact on Mentors: Personal and Professional Growth

The program has yielded substantial rewards for mentors, as highlighted by Miss Norika. She states, "The key takeaway is I can I get to understand further about the students uh not only personality but their train of thoughts and it's a good thing for me because I actually bring all that learning back to my daughter because I can actually understand how or what she's facing in school." This sentiment underscores the dual benefit of the program, fostering empathy and understanding in mentors that can be applied to their personal lives.

Student Perspectives: Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams

The transcript features a 21-year-old student from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) who is mentored by Miss Norika. The student shares a powerful personal narrative: "school is never giving up in studies because once I give up I won't be able to chase my dreams anymore which uh actually I done that before and I regret so that's why I decided to go back school again and to actually achieve what I want to be in the future." This exemplifies the motivational impact of mentorship on students facing academic or personal hurdles.

Scope and Scale of Mentoring SG

Since its inception at a summit, Mentoring SG has garnered support from over 200 organizations across diverse sectors. This widespread adoption signifies a collective commitment to youth development. The support mechanisms include:

• Talent Scouting: Identifying and nurturing promising young talent.
• Project Co-development: Pairing employees with students to collaborate on projects, fostering practical skill development and real-world experience.

Furthermore, approximately 4,000 mentors have volunteered their time and expertise to assist youths in their transition to the professional world.

Addressing Youth Concerns: From Career Finding to Life Settlements

The movement acknowledges the multifaceted concerns of young people. For younger individuals, the primary worries revolve around:

• Transitioning from school to work.
• Identifying careers that align with their values.
• Securing suitable employment.

Older youth, on the other hand, face a broader spectrum of challenges related to settling down, including:

• Career development.
• Financial planning.
• Home ownership (buying or getting a flat).
• The responsibilities of parenthood and caregiving.

KPMG Partnership: Investing in Future-Ready Skills

A significant new partnership has been established with KPMG, which has committed to dedicating 10,000 hours to mentor youths. This commitment is specifically focused on preparing them for future jobs in the burgeoning green and digital sectors. The partnership aims to:

• Connect students to various industries and influential industry leaders.
• Facilitate opportunities for job shadowing, allowing students to observe professionals in their daily work.
• Organize learning exchanges to provide immersive educational experiences.

Synthesis and Conclusion

Mentoring SG has emerged as a vital national initiative, effectively bridging the gap between education and employment for young people. By fostering a robust network of mentors and organizational partners, the movement addresses the diverse needs and anxieties of youth, from career exploration to broader life planning. The program's success is evident in the significant number of opportunities created and the growing engagement of organizations like KPMG, which are investing in the development of a future-ready workforce, particularly in the critical green and digital domains. The personal growth experienced by mentors, alongside the tangible benefits for students, underscores the reciprocal and impactful nature of this movement.