Story Lab Apprenticeship (SLA) programme

For more information, you may click here to download the FAQs (441.08KB) or refer to it below:

1. Can freelancers participate?
   Yes, as long as the eligibility criteria is met.
   
   
2. How do I know if I fit into the criteria of 0-3 calendar years from graduation?
   
   • You will qualify for this criteria if you have graduated any time within year 2016 to year 2019.
     E.g. You qualify for this criteria if you graduated in January 2016.
   • For those who served National Service (NS), the years spent in NS are not considered in the determination of years from graduation.
     E.g. If you served NS for 2 years, you qualify for this criteria if you graduated in January 2014.
     
     
3. Does these criteria apply to graduation from first degree/diploma only?
   No, these criteria apply to the highest level degree/diploma or relevant qualification attained.
   
   
4. Are there any other specific requirements apart from the stated eligibility criteria?
   Specific requirements may vary depending on the job role and by the participating companies. You may head to the respective company’s application page for more information.
   
   
5. How do I apply and what information do I need to provide?
   You may head directly to the company’s website to apply. The detailed information required from applicants differ from job roles and the company. All required information are stated on the company’s page.
   
   
6. I have met all eligibility criteria as published on the website, does it mean that I will automatically qualify for the programme?
   All applications are subjected to company’s review and evaluation. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview with the company. All decisions are final and binding.
   
   
7. When will I know if I am selected for the SLA programme?
   Companies will reach out to shortlisted applicants for an interview between the period of 30 August to 29 November 2019.
   Following the interviews, selected applicants will be informed if they have been successful by 31 December 2019.
   Do note that only shortlisted and selected candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
   
   
8. What is the expected duration and commencement of the SLA programme?
   The SLA programme period is typically up to 12 months and will commence from Jan 2020 onwards. Actual start date will be agreed upon between the Apprentice and the company.
   It is important that the Apprentice commit to the start and end date that have been agreed upon and undergo the SLA programme to the best of his/her abilities.
   
   
9. Where will the training for the SLA programme be held?
   The programme consists of On-the-Job Training (OJT) hosted by participating companies and will be held primarily at the companies’ premises. Some of the training may also take place at external venues as determined by the companies. Some roles may include overseas stints, depending on the respective company’s training plan outline.
   
   
10. Do I have to give up my current job to join the SLA programme?
    Yes. This is a full-time programme over the span of up to 12 months. You will sign an agreement with the company prior to the commencement of the programme.
    
    
11. Do I have to pay to join the SLA programme?
    No payment is required. The SLA programme is fully sponsored by the participating companies and IMDA.
    
    
12. Will I receive a stipends and how much will it be?
    Apprentices will receive a monthly stipends that will commensurate with the Apprentice’s relevant experience and job role.
    
    
13. What is the expectation of an Apprentice?
    The SLA programme is an opportunity for each Apprentice to acquire practical skills by taking on a specific media job role with the partner company. It can be achieved through projects or specific tasks outlined in the training plan, guided by industry practitioners who will provide mentorship to add to the experiential learning. The partner company and IMDA has invested resources to enable each Apprentice to undergo the programme. IMDA also requires progress reports to be submitted by Apprentices and the company to ensure that the agreed milestones are achieved. It is therefore important for each Apprentice to attend the SLA programme diligently and complete all the projects promptly.
    
    
14. What if I decide to drop out of the SLA programme after starting the programme?
    If you drop out of the SLA programme, IMDA shall recover any grants, including monthly stipends support, awarded to the Participating Company under the SLA Programme. The Participating Company may in turn recover the grants from you (Apprentice). Please check your individual letter of offer for details.
    
    
15. If my SLA programme start date has not commenced, can I withdraw from the programme without any penalty?
    We do not encourage withdrawal as there is significant investment of time and effort by both the company and IMDA. The affected company will assess the situation accordingly and cost recovery may be imposed by the company, if necessary. Please check your individual agreement with the company for details.
    
    
16. Will I be guaranteed a permanent job after the completion of the SLA programme?
    The objective of the SLA is to enhance the industry-readiness of fresh media talents by acquiring media skills and competencies for jobs in demand by the industry.
    IMDA encourages participating companies to consider hiring suitable Apprentices after the programme period. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to find a job most suitable for yourself upon completion of the SLA programme. The SLA programme is primarily a capability development programme and there is no guarantee of a job offer upon the completion of the programme.
    
    
17. Will there be a next round of application?
    There will be one more round of applications likely to start from Q3/Q4 2020 onwards. Please register your interest via email to storylab@imda.gov.sg and follow us on Facebook @ IM Talent SG to stay connected and for latest updates.