THE labour movement is expanding its career mentorship and mental health programmes for young workers and advocating for “quality internships” after a year-long engagement with youths highlighted their desire for such resources.

This initiative stems from a youth task force under the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), which engaged more than 10,000 youths aged 17 to 25.

When asked to select the top three most important resources that would aid their career progression, career mentorship ranked highest, followed by job preparation sessions with professionals and additional funding support for training and upskilling.

Regarding joining a company, 23.3 percent of youths cited salary as their primary consideration, followed by working environment and work arrangements. Meanwhile, 78.7 percent emphasized the importance of mental well-being support in the workplace, yet many noted a lack of improvement in how mental health issues are treated.

Explaining the year-long youth engagement, NTUC assistant secretary-general Desmond Choo stated, “A lot has changed – there are macro changes, for example, through Covid, and shifts in the digital landscape and the way we work. Our younger generation has different aspirations in this vastly different context.”

Choo addressed the misconception that young people belong to the “strawberry generation,” asserting that they are actually very purpose- and mission-driven, showing a strong sense of responsibility not only for their own future but also for their families.

He noted that youths are eager for experiential learning and strive to understand the mission and purpose of their organizations while valuing open communication with employers for efficient and effective work.

To assist youths in transitioning into the workforce, the task force, chaired by Choo, has made several key recommendations. NTUC is establishing a hub for career mentorship called mentorSHIP, which will provide complementary career support services.

This initiative complements the Career Starter Lab pilot launched in late April, which offers young employees one-on-one mentorship at the workplace, with applications opening on September 1.

Young NTUC is expanding its network of certified peer supporters in workplaces to promote a “psychologically safe environment” and encourage a culture that destigmatizes mental health issues. So far, 1,000 peer supporters have been trained through a Workforce Skills Qualification-certified programme, with plans to train 2,500 supporters by 2025.

NTUC is also urging schools and employers to incorporate student feedback on internship experiences to improve the learning and development quality of subsequent internship offerings.

While most youths report positive internship experiences, some have been assigned menial tasks or lacked proper onboarding. Choo expressed the hope that partnerships with institutes of higher learning will elevate internship standards and ensure quality experiences for students.

Additionally, NTUC will launch a new NTUC Starter membership aimed at youths aged 18 to 25.