Hi Glenford, do you have any insights on what is a reasonable pay increment for a trainee after the 12 months contract is up under the SGUnited Traineeship scheme ($2.5k) and how to ask for it?

Pay increment differs across industries as well as job roles. It depends on several factors, for eg, employee’s performance, company’s performance and economic climate. To support your case for a reasonable increment, ensure you focus primarily on performing well in your role during the 12 months of traineeship so that the employer can see the Unique Selling Prepositions (USPs) that you can offer to the organisation and this will help to improve your bargaining position. If the company doesn’t broach the subject of reviewing your employment contract 3 months before your traineeship is due, take the initiative to have a conversation with your immediate supervisor to determine whether you have a future with the company. Should they ask you for your salary expectation, demonstrate your maturity by telling them that you will entrust them to work out an offer that’s reasonable to both parties because you believe that as an established company with sound HR practices, they will be fair and equitable in offering you a reasonable pay package. If the company values you, they will definitely make an offer that appeals to you.