Internships and apprenticeships are two common ways for students and job seekers to gain practical experience in a career field. But what exactly sets them apart? Understanding the nuances of Internships vs. Apprenticeships is critical for anyone evaluating these options. This extensive article will compare internships and apprenticeships in Singapore across the duration, training methods, pay, requirements, certification, career prospects, and more. Insightful examples from major local companies will illustrate real-world applications across diverse industries.
By analysing the pros and cons of each pathway, you can determine which choice best aligns with your skills, interests, and professional aspirations by intensely studying this article on Internships vs Apprenticeships
1. Definition of Internship
Before beginning the entire discussion, let’s start by understanding what an internship is and its crucial aspects.
1.1. What is an Internship?
An internship is a short-term job or training opportunity a company or organisation provides to students or people who have recently finished their studies. It is a chance to learn how a fundamental workplace functions while gaining practical experience. Internships are a great way to understand a particular job or career and develop new skills.
1.2. Purpose
Beyond gaining practical knowledge, internships provide a valuable opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and career clarity. This section will highlight the key purpose of internships and the manifold benefits they offer students, job seekers, and career changers.
- Gain insight into a professional environment: Learn how companies work, what tasks employees handle daily, and how teams collaborate to achieve goals.
- Test-drive potential careers to gauge fit: Try out a job or field to see if it matches your interests and goals before committing to it long-term.
- Build hard and soft skills to increase employability: Improve technical abilities like using software or tools and develop soft skills like teamwork, communication, and time management.
- Expand your professional network and make connections: Meet industry professionals, build relationships, and learn from their experiences, which can help you with future job opportunities.
- Potentially receive academic credit: Some internships are linked to your studies, and you can earn credits toward your degree by completing them.
1.3. Intern Job Activities
Interns usually participate in various tasks and activities that help them learn about the industry while contributing to the organisation. These tasks are designed to give them hands-on experience and a better understanding of workplace dynamics.
Typical roles and responsibilities may include:
- Shadowing team members: Observing how experienced employees work and learning by watching their methods and processes.
- Administrative tasks like scheduling or event planning: Helping with essential office duties, such as organising calendars, preparing documents, or coordinating events.
- Conducting research and data analysis: Gathering information, analysing trends, or preparing reports to support projects or decisions in the organisation.
- Small supervised projects related to the field: Working on specific assignments relevant to the company’s operations, often with close guidance from a mentor or supervisor.
- Presenting findings to staff members: Sharing the results of research, projects, or insights with colleagues, often through presentations or written reports.
- Attending meetings and training sessions: Participating in team discussions, strategy sessions, or workshops to understand how decisions are made and new skills are developed.
2. Definition of Apprenticeship
Let’s learn more about Apprenticeships, a unique form of training that has been a cornerstone in many industries for centuries.
2.1. What Is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a formal, long-term training program where participants, known as apprentices, learn a trade or profession through a mix of paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. It is a structured way to gain practical experience while studying the theoretical aspects of the field.
Apprenticeships are often tied to industries like construction, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, and they prepare individuals for certification or a full-time career in a specialised area.
2.2. Purpose
- Obtain qualifications and certifications for a trade or profession: Apprenticeships are designed to meet the standards required for specific certifications, making you job-ready upon completion.
- Earn a salary while mastering skills through structured onsite training: Unlike internships, apprenticeships are paid programs that allow participants to earn an income as they learn.
- Receive dedicated mentorship from veteran industry professionals: Apprentices work closely with skilled experts who guide and support their learning.
- Kickstart a full-time career after completion: Apprenticeships often lead directly to permanent positions in the industry, providing a solid start to a professional career.
2.3. Apprenticeship Training Model
High-quality apprenticeships follow a structured approach that includes several essential components:
- Classroom lectures and textbook theory: Apprentices study theoretical knowledge of their trade or profession.
- Hands-on skill building under supervision: Practical tasks are performed under the guidance of experienced mentors to build real-world skills.
- Graded assignments to apply knowledge: Apprentices complete tasks or projects to demonstrate their understanding and progress.
- Industry exams and skill demonstrations: Formal assessments and tests ensure apprentices meet the competency standards required for certification.
- Safety procedures and protocol: Comprehensive training in workplace safety and industry regulations is provided to ensure a safe working environment.
You May Also Like: 5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Skills for Career Growth
3. Key Differences Between Internships vs Apprenticeships with Examples for Each
Understanding the distinction between internships and apprenticeships is vital for Singapore’s students, job seekers, and organisations. Both offer valuable hands-on experience, but their structures, goals, and outcomes differ significantly. Let’s break down the key differences between internships and apprenticeships based on their duration, training methods, compensation, educational requirements, and career impact.
3.1 Duration
The differences in the duration of the internships and apprenticeships are based on work hours and the set of rules set by the organisation,
Internship:
- Typically, it lasts for a few weeks to a few months.
- Commonly seasonal, aligned with school breaks or semester requirements.
- For example, summer internships in companies like DBS Bank or Grab allow students to gain short-term experience.
Apprenticeship:
- Lasts between 1 to 4 years, depending on the trade or profession.
- Provides comprehensive, long-term skill-building.
- For instance, a SkillsFuture Work-Study Programme at a Singaporean company such as Keppel Offshore & Marine might take several years to complete.
3.2. Training and Learning Structure
The training and learning structure when it comes to Internship and Apprenticeship varies as per the organisation and work profile that you are pursuing these two for,
Internship:
- Primarily focuses on observation and gaining practical experience.
- Learning is informal and often self-directed, with minimal supervision.
- Example: An intern at Shopee might assist with marketing campaigns and observe team dynamics.
Apprenticeship:
- Includes both on-the-job training and classroom-based learning.
- Supervised, structured, and designed to build expertise in a trade or profession.
- Example: Singapore Airlines’ Aircraft Maintenance Program Apprentices receive classroom lessons and hands-on technical training.
3.3. Compensation
Internships may or may not be paid, whereas apprenticeship is a paid position. Both opportunities can give a good start to the students who are opting for them,
Internship:
- It may be unpaid, low-paid, or offer academic credit instead of monetary compensation.
- Example: Some internships at startups or NGOs in Singapore may only cover transport or meal expenses.
Apprenticeship:
- It is always a paid position, with wages increasing as the apprentice gains more skills and experience.
- Example: Apprentices in Singapore Power’s Apprenticeship Scheme earn a stipend and are offered incremental wage hikes.
3.4 Educational Requirements
There are certain educational criteria the candidate should hold before starting with both. Internship and Apprenticeship,
Internship:
- Available to students or fresh graduates from secondary schools, polytechnics, or universities.
- Requires minimal prior experience; participants learn while contributing to projects.
- Example: A final-year Nanyang Technological University (NTU) student might intern at OCBC Bank as part of their degree requirement.
Apprenticeship:
- Requires a high school diploma, Nitec, or equivalent qualification.
- Particular apprenticeships may also require the completion of specific courses or exams.
- Example: A Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) course may be a prerequisite for some apprenticeships in the food and beverage industry.
3.5 Certification and Outcome
Internships may or may not provide you with a certification but will offer you practical knowledge about the job profile you are interning for. In contrast, apprenticeships will provide you with a formal certification.
Internship
- Does not typically lead to a formal qualification or certification.
- Instead, participants gain networking opportunities, professional references, and valuable industry exposure.
- Example: Interning at Google Singapore might not result in a certificate but can boost a resume significantly.
Apprenticeship
- Often leads to recognised certifications or trade licenses.
- Provides a direct path to employment in the field.
- Example: A National ITE Certificate (Nitec) gained through an apprenticeship with SMRT Corporation qualifies individuals for technical roles.
3.6 Career Impact
Below is a table that shows the career impact of Apprentice vs intern to know how it impacts their career to stay informed:
| Aspect | Internship Impact | Apprenticeship Impact |
| For Individuals | – Builds general industry experience. – Boosts resumes for entry-level roles. – Enhances soft skills like teamwork and communication. | – Develops deep expertise in a specific trade. – Provides a direct career path. – Results in recognised certifications and qualifications. |
| For organisations | – Offers fresh perspectives from interns. – Builds a talent pipeline. – Evaluate potential future hires. | – Creates a skilled and loyal workforce. – Meets industry-specific skill demands. – Increases employee retention. |
4. Benefits of Internships
Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or someone looking to shift careers, internships can provide valuable insights and opportunities that set you up for long-term success. Let’s explore how internships can help accelerate your career:
- Exposure to workplace environments: Internships provide firsthand experience in professional settings, helping you understand workplace dynamics, expectations, and culture. You learn how teams collaborate, meetings are conducted, and projects are managed realistically.
- Opportunity to test different career paths with minimal long-term commitment: Internships allow you to explore various roles and industries before committing to a specific career. They serve as a trial period to assess whether a particular job or field aligns with your interests and skills.
- Development of both technical and soft skills, increasing employability: Through tasks and projects, you can hone technical skills like coding, data analysis, or writing while also building soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which employers highly value.
- Networking opportunities to establish industry connections: Internships help you connect with professionals in your field, which can lead to mentorship, job recommendations, or future career opportunities. Relationships formed during internships can be pivotal in advancing your career.
- Potential to earn academic credit toward your degree: Some internships are tied to educational programs, allowing you to gain practical experience while earning credits that contribute to your graduation requirements.
- Improved resume and portfolio: Completing an internship adds real-world experience to your resume, making it more competitive. You may also develop work samples or case studies for your portfolio, showcasing your capabilities to future employers.
- Chance to secure a full-time job offer: Many companies use internships as a pipeline for hiring. Performing well as an intern can increase your chances of being offered a permanent position.
- Exposure to cutting-edge tools and techniques: Depending on the industry, internships can introduce you to the latest software, methodologies, or innovations, keeping you up-to-date with current trends.
- Boosts confidence in professional settings: Navigating workplace challenges during an internship helps you build confidence in handling responsibilities, communicating with colleagues, and meeting deadlines.
- Insight into industry trends and practices: By observing and engaging with professionals, you can better understand current trends, challenges, and opportunities in your chosen field.
You May Also Read: First Job Challenges: How to Conquer Them Like a Pro
5. Challenges of Internships
With so many benefits associated with Internships, candidates who do internships face many challenges.
- Temporary roles without guarantee of a full-time job: While internships provide relevant experience, they often don’t lead directly to employment, leaving interns uncertain about their future.
- Pay is often lacking, and positions may be completely unpaid. Many internships offer minimal compensation or none, hindering students from needing financial support.
- Limited structure and informal on-the-job training: Interns may need a standardised curriculum to understand the industry comprehensively.
- Lack of dedicated mentors and coaching: Interns might need more one-on-one guidance, making developing skills or addressing challenges harder.
6. Benefits of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are another wise choice that the candidate can make to have a kick start in their career. You are given a certification monthly wages, and you get acquainted with many more benefits such as,
- Earn progressive wages throughout the program: Apprentices are paid employees, with salaries often increasing as they gain skills and experience.
- Structured training curriculum combining school and work: Apprenticeships follow a clear training path, ensuring well-rounded skill development.
- Chance to specialise under industry veterans: Apprentices receive personalised mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals.
- Nationally recognised certification upon completion: Graduates receive formal qualifications, enhancing employability and career prospects.
- There is a 90%+ chance of employment within the field after graduating. Most apprentices secure permanent jobs in their chosen field, offering a stable career path.
7. Challenges of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships also come with many challenges the candidate may face while pursuing a career. It is important to stay informed to avoid any issues, let’s learn more,
- Long 1-4 year program commitment: The extended duration requires significant time and dedication, which might only suit some.
- Challenging workload balancing classroom and job: Apprentices must manage academic studies alongside their job responsibilities, which can be demanding.
- Strict eligibility criteria and entrance assessments: Candidates often need specific qualifications and must pass competitive tests to enter.
- Limited flexibility to switch careers afterwards: The focused training makes it harder to transition into unrelated fields later.
8. Which is Right for You?
If you are a candidate seeking a medium that can help you kick start your career and determine which one is the best pick, Apprenticeship vs Internship, you should consider a few things,
Consider an Internship if,
- You are still determining your career direction and want to experiment with different roles and industries.
- You prefer short-term commitments that fit within academic schedules or holidays.
- You aim to quickly gain various skills, such as problem-solving, communication, or project management.
- You want to establish initial connections in an industry without committing to a full-time position immediately.
Consider an Apprenticeship If
- You are interested in a specific trade or profession and want to gain hands-on experience.
- You are comfortable with a longer commitment to build a solid foundation for your career.
- You value structured classroom learning and real-world training, which can provide theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- You are looking for a more stable and direct pathway to employment with a formal certification that enhances your qualifications.
9. Examples of Common Apprenticeship Fields
Below is the description of a few apprenticeship examples that can help you to get informed before proceeding further with it,
Hospitality
- Apprenticeships in hotels, attractions, and resorts allow participants to learn customer service, event planning, and operational management.
- Roles like concierge services, food and beverage management, and event coordination are commonly included.
Aviation Maintenance
- Apprenticeships in this field involve learning how to repair, maintain, and troubleshoot aircraft systems.
- Participants may specialise in avionics, propulsion systems, or structural repairs.
Electrical Power Engineering
- Apprenticeship programs train individuals to maintain and operate electrical grids, power stations, and renewable energy systems.
- Skills include wiring, circuit analysis, safety protocols, and energy efficiency management.
Conclusion
Internships and apprenticeships provide invaluable growth opportunities but are tailored to different needs and career stages. Internships are ideal for gaining exposure to different industries and roles. On the other hand, apprenticeships are more structured and intensive, designed to build expertise in specific trades or professions. They often result in industry-recognized qualifications and near-guaranteed job placement, making them an excellent choice for those committed to a particular career.
Ultimately, deciding between the two involves assessing your goals, resources, and readiness for commitment.
People Are Also Interested In: How to Write an Internship Cover Letter
FAQs on Internships vs Apprenticeships
Q1. Can I participate in both an internship and an apprenticeship during my career?
A.1. Yes! Many individuals do internships to explore various fields early in their careers and pursue apprenticeships later when they’re ready to specialise in a specific trade or profession.
Q.2. Are apprenticeships only for traditional trades like carpentry or plumbing?
A.2. Modern apprenticeships cover diverse fields, such as IT, healthcare, digital marketing, and finance. Companies like Deloitte offer apprenticeships in accounting and analytics.
Q.3. Who should consider an apprenticeship?
A.3. Apprenticeships are best suited for individuals who master a specific trade or profession. These programs offer a structured and in-depth learning experience and are ideal for those seeking a stable, long-term career with formal qualifications and strong employability prospects.
Q3. Can I pursue an apprenticeship if I already have a degree?
A.3. Yes! Many degree holders choose apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in specialised fields, especially in industries requiring practical expertise.
Q.4. Can internships lead to full-time jobs?
A.4. Yes, many companies use internships to evaluate potential hires, but there is no guarantee.
Q5. Do both internships and apprenticeships offer pay?
A.5. Only sometimes. Internships can be unpaid or low-paid or offer other benefits like academic credit instead of monetary compensation. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, are always paid positions. Apprentices earn wages that often increase as they acquire new skills and demonstrate greater competency in their chosen trade.
