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New internship programme aims to draw more young Singaporeans into hawker trade

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

A three-year agreement signed on Wednesday establishes an internship and apprenticeship framework for students from the Institute of Technical Education and Temasek Polytechnic. Veteran stallholders will oversee the students' day-to-day work, teach practical operational logistics, and provide a financial allowance under the finalised arrangement. Mentors believe structured industry guidance will help youth manage the transition and ease parental concerns regarding food sector careers. However, veteran hawkers warn that severe manpower constraints and grueling physical demands remain major hurdles.

Key points

  • Post-graduation apprenticeships are intended to provide young Singaporeans with a smoothe…: Post-graduation apprenticeships are intended to provide young Singaporeans with a smoother transition into stall ownership.
  • The curriculum focuses on teaching operational logistics, daily trade demands, and method…: The curriculum focuses on teaching operational logistics, daily trade demands, and methods to keep stalls financially viable.
  • Persistent challenges such as long working hours, physical strain, and manpower shortages…: Persistent challenges such as long working hours, physical strain, and manpower shortages continue to affect youth recruitment.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Students from ITE and Temasek Polytechnic will get hands-on experience at hawker stalls under a new initiative set to begin in April 2027, as part of efforts to preserve Singapore's hawker culture.

SINGAPORE: Young Singaporeans will have the opportunity to learn how to run hawker stalls under a new internship and apprenticeship programme aimed at attracting more people to the trade and sustaining it for future generations.

The initiative, targeted to begin in April 2027, is part of a three-year agreement signed on Wednesday (Nov 11) between the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Temasek Polytechnic and Hawkers of Food Centres, a non-profit society that promotes Singapore's hawker culture.

Students will receive hands-on training under the guidance of experienced hawkers, with participating stallholders paying interns an allowance. The programme's details are still being finalised.

A TASTE OF HAWKER LIFE

Mr Cornelius Tan, a founding member of Hawkers of Food Centres, said internships followed by apprenticeships after graduation could help students transition into the hawker trade.

Speaking on CNA's Singapore Tonight programme, he said the initiative would give students a better understanding…

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