Why 68% of Singaporeans would not pursue skilled trades

Singaporeans, however, still believe skilled trades provide a lot of opportunities.

Whilst 83% of Singaporeans believe that skilled trades provide a lot of opportunities, 68% of them would still not pursue the profession, a study commissioned by 3M and Science Centre Singapore (SCS) showed.

A skilled trade is any occupation that requires a particular skill set or ability, including electricians, carpenters, plumbers, welders, and also jobs within the service industry, such as dental hygienists and cooks or chefs.

Based on the study, there are three main reasons why Singaporeans would not pursue skilled trade, and one is they have other passions they wanted to pursue as a career (41%).

Others (26%) believe there is not enough career growth opportunity in such professions.

Meanwhile, 26% also believe that they would not make enough money from the profession.

Globally, only 18% cited pay as a factor in not pursuing skilled trade.

Whilst a minority of Singaporeans do not think they will make enough money from skilled trade, most (83%) of them still believe they would earn as much money in a skilled trade as they would in a career that requires a degree from a traditional four-year university/college.

To add, 83% of them trust that vocational/trade schools can give them the education needed to have a successful career.

Given these findings, the study concluded that whilst Singaporeans respect trade skills, there is still a stigma around such professions.

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