Management Trainee Programmes vs SGUnited Traineeships vs Apprenticeships

Find out what sets these different programmes apart from each other, and figure out if you are suited for them!

Scoping out full-time positions and settling in to a coveted role is a common route many choose upon graduation. But although that is the most welltrodden path, there are other options as well, such as apprenticeships and trainee programmes. Read on to find out about these programmes, their differences and how they may benefit you in your career journey!

Management Trainee Programmes

Typically designed to develop future managers, Management Trainee (MT) Programmes place emphasis on developing the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective manager. Although it is a fairly new concept, many top employers have picked up this technique in order to train employees within their ranks.

Although this sounds very similar to that of an internship, it is important to note that if you are accepted by an MT programme, you will be recognised as full-time staff, with the accorded benefits, and will be often asked to helm projects essential to the firm’s success. Because you will often find yourself in positions of leadership, though, you will also be frequently evaluated, though these assessments tend to be industryspecific. Evaluated progress normally dictates the duration of each phase of training.

Traineeships

Open to graduates and students who will soon be convocated, traineeships are structured programmes that aim to develop skills in a professional environment over a period of six weeks up to a year, though most tend to last about six months.

Like MT programmes, trainees will be equipped with valuable industry experience, though unlike MT programmes, they may not be converted to full-time staff upon completion. However, the skills and experience gained through the traineeship will help you gain a firmer foothold in the job market.

On top of valuable skills, experience and knowledge, you can also look forward to receiving a training allowance over the duration of the programme.

Apprenticeships

Like MT programmes and traineeships, apprenticeships also aim to impart professional skills and experience. Where they differ, however, is that apprenticeships prepare graduates for specific, highly-skilled roles within a company.

Should you choose to immerse yourself in your chosen field from the very beginning and pursue an apprenticeship, you will quickly find yourself in a role that combines paid work with intensive on-the-job training. As firms normally create their own apprenticeship programmes, you will find yourself deeply involved in the business side of things alongside related instruction, whether on-the-job, in the company’s own classroom, or even online.