Work Study Diploma

As lil’ one ends her internship and 3 months to graduation we need to know what’s her next step?

a) polytechnic. That was what she wanted, ideally what I wanted too. But … grades. Sad to say everything in SIN is based on merits. 

b) private 

c) work study diploma 

“You wouldn’t know”

Everything is so uncertain, we have no idea if she’ll be successful in her application in Feb after the release of her final results. Her grades isn’t the fantastic kind, that will put her in the ‘you choose what course you want, not the course choose her’ edge. We just have to be realistic, she was so insistent to concentrate on studying, on polytechnic. I would have preferred her to do that too but if she’s not the theory kind of learner then how? 

For poly application, she was selected to do the entrance test but didn’t get called for interview with Temasek Poly so she probably didn’t pass. 

Next intake will be in Feb, but her results isn’t that fantastic. So there’s the worry that she might not make it. 

Application window period for first round : 3rd Nov - 12th Dec. For those who initially didn’t want to apply but decide to, can apply during their second round of application : 5th Jan - 27th Feb. All application is for their April 2026 intake. 

What is work study diploma?

Students in the WSDip programme, introduced in 2018, work full-time and attend courses at ITE concurrently. It typically takes 2½ to three years for an ITE graduate to earn a diploma.Students in the WSDip programme, introduced in 2018, work full-time and attend courses at ITE concurrently. It typically takes 2½ to three years for an ITE graduate to earn a diploma.

Open to mainly ITE graduates, the WSDip programmes partner about 900 companies, which employ the students and provide them with mentorship and work experience.

She did the application on 1st Dec by listing the courses she wants. Actually she only wants to do HR but she couldn’t leave the other 4 blank. Listed option as :

1) Human Resource Mgt [College Central]

2) Event Management [College Central]

3) Customer Experience Management (Aviation Services) [College East]

4) Accountancy [College Central]

5) Hotel & Restaurant Management [College West]

Realised she didn’t update her résumé 🤨 after her recent intern ended. Couldn’t send any attachments coz she has her attachments all over the place 😖🤦🏻‍♀️ something is in pdf, dunno what certificate using the phone scanner. So untidy! Thank goodness we have scanner at home, made her scan the items into the laptop. By the time we finished, I was mentally tired. Next day, will do the submission next day 

2nd Dec (Tue) 

Once we go into the portal, they listed all the companies for the 5 courses you indicate. She was adamant to only choose HR companies, no event companies no aviation 😂. In the end, she submitted applications to 7 companies.  观音菩萨 please por pi por pi her. 

Companies selected :

1) HA @ Kaki Bukit

2) V @ Tampines ✅ 

3) C @ Ubi ✅ 

4) HE @ MacPherson

5) S @ Ubi ✅ 

6) D @ Seletar

7) R @ Changi ✅

3rd Dec (Wed)

We were out and didn’t notice the missed calls. She returned the phonecall at close to 3pm. As we arrived into Funan carpark, told her to check if the phonecall came from any company or scam call 😆. Didn’t want her to return call in the most mall this asked her to return call in the car. She didn’t want me to hear the convo and kicked me out of the car 🤣. Aunty ah! Your mother is feeling so hot standing outside k? 

Company R called and wanted to arrange an interview. First round will be online, only selected applicants will be notified and proceed to the second round. She chose the online interview to be conducted on Friday

4th Dec (Thu) 

at 11am received an email / notification from Company S. She has to answer some questions first.  

At 3pm, received a phonecall from Company V to arrange for an interview. They hastily arranged for one the next day. Wah. Heng ah..I didn’t plan to bring her out or made any booking for movie. 

Only did the questions at home in the late afternoon as requested by Company S close to dinner. By the time she submitted it, it was already past office hours. I wonder what impression she left for them for not being prompt in her reply. So does it mean she has to make sure she keeps her phone diligently on ringing tone next to her now? Or should she just stay at home? 

5th Dec (Fri)

10am : in person interview with V. 

Just arrived home not long after (close to 11am) and after she showered aka washed the whole toilet, told me S returned back and asked her to choose the timing for in-person interview on Wed 10th 

2pm : online interview with R

Taped this sign to the door, have to warn just incase we forget or someone opens the door abruptly and asked loudly “Aricia what do you want for dinner?” 

9th Dec (Tue)

I was reading through WSD website and noticed that some companies might want the student to start working earlier, before the school term commences in April. I asked her about it. How was I to know I jinxed mouth 😅 the next day.

10th Dec (Wed)

9am - 9.45am : In person interview with Company S. 

Dropped her off at 8.48am as I wasn’t sure of this whole Ubi place. 

Ulu place, basically no mall nearby to while away my time. Armed with my fans 😂 and stayed in the car. 

That got me thinking, we started with the application rather late. If we had done it when this opens, does it mean the interviews would have been conducted when she was doing her internship? Or do they consolidate all applicants ? How do they select then? When will they inform that the applicant is successful? 

Somehow altho 我心痒痒很想出一个国 (so tempted to go HKG or BKK for food hunting) glad that I didn’t plan to travel in December. But what happens if they inform in Jan when we’re away? Aiyoh! Torlong torlong 观音菩萨 please work your magic and have at least 1-2 companies want her and inform us sooner. We have no idea if competition is tough? But she has the experience and is familiar with most responsibilities indicated in their recruitment page. Please put this cutey girl at an advantage, be top of their list. How many applicants in the company ultimately? 

All done at 9.39am.

Spent $4.36 on parking  for sitting inside the car

As usual would check with her on how the interview went. She was offered to do a trial first. Huh? Naturally I was wondering if the trial was for the company to see where her skills are at and decide whether they want to sponsor her, but she says the trial is for her to see whether she is comfortable with the company. Afterall if she takes up this offer she’ll be stuck in the company for 2.5 years. If she gives up halfway she has to pay back the $$. 😳 Anyway she’s an accounting student with HR internship experience, so I think she has a little more advantage over others. 

Trial starts next week. So soon! I guess coz we’re travelling in early Jan so the next 3 weeks will probably give her a gauge whether she’s comfortable with them. If she confirms to take up the offer, they can settle all the arrangements so that she can enjoy her holiday in peace. 

Why didn’t her internship company didn’t opt for this WSD program? 

I asked her why they’re not in the program. If they are, would it be a good idea for her to go back or should she have a change of environment? The colleagues are very nice there, her supervisor is very good to her.

According to her, it’s a NPO so they will have problem finding funds to sponsor a student. 

12th Dec (Fri)

She received an email from Company C. Another option for her. 

I think will have to give some days after today’s closing application date for them to decide. No sure if she’ll get a third offer somewhere else. I’ll just end my blog for now and get this posted out. 

Qué será,será

Not sure if she’ll continue with this WSD or if she wants to risk her chances in poly application, or ultimately end up being a private student. Really I told her it’s all up to 观音菩萨 to plan everything for her, based on what’s best for her. She’s a hardworking girl so whatever lies ahead of her I’m sure she’ll make good for it.