Singapore retail internships will now be available from five major store brands in a program that could lead to students getting permanent employment.

Charles & Keith, Cold Storage Singapore, Isetan, StarHub and Wing Tai Retail have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Technical Education and local polytechnics to integrate the Enhanced Internship scheme with the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Program. This means the five retailers will be investing in a talent management and retention program for interns.

Students who complete at least 20 weeks of internship may now be offered employment through the SkillsFuture program. This program will be cut from 18 to 12 months, and culminate in a Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications specialist diploma or advanced certificate.

A further 11 retail companies have signed a separate memorandum of understanding to offer retail students the Enhanced Internship program.