Is the SGUnited scheme is sustainable? Many companies are mass hiring trainees since we are only $500/month with the govt subsidy (cheaper than interns). What if they let most of us go after a year?

There's always a loophole that companies can potentially exploit. For example in Brunei, we have the i-Ready scheme where govt subsidies $800/month for at least 3 years with the intention of getting more businesses to employ locals. Sadly, most got exploited being milked the full 3 years and let go only for the company to hire more i-Readians to repeat the cycle.

It's not an easy answer as it hinges on the companies to do what's morally good. Now, the scheme is cut to 1.5 years of subsidy with limited quota of interns for able-hiring companies. Biannually audit is also done more seriously now to ensure i-Readians are actually being employed.

We actually hire quite a few trainees here in Seedly :) And are fully committed to their learning and development in the coming 12 months.

As most startups, companies hiring during this period, I am sure that in the mid term, beyond 12 months based on market conditions and performance of the indviduals in this program. It is definitely not out of the question to look atconversion if the business is growing and in need of scaling up the skillsets.

I think the situation now is abit tricky as it is not a one sized fits all approach. But looking at it from an employer POV, it is really a good move because it opened up another avenue to look for talent for the short to mid term for us startups/companies.

We hope to grow with the trainees, and wish for them to grow along with the company or even at a faster pace than the company this would be super ideal for all of us win-win!