Emerging Trends in Singapore’s Youth Employment: A Qualitative Investigation of the Growing Attraction to Traditional Skilled Trades
Abstract
Over the past decade, Singapore has witnessed a noticeable shift in the occupational aspirations of younger cohorts (Millennials and Generation Z). While higher‑education pathways continue to dominate policy narratives, an increasing number of young Singaporeans are gravitating toward traditional skilled trades such as urban farming, plumbing, and lift‑technician work. This paper examines the underlying motivations, socio‑economic implications, and policy relevance of this trend through a mixed‑method design that combines (i) a systematic review of labour‑market statistics and policy documents, (ii) semi‑structured interviews with three emblematic practitioners—Daniel Yap (urban farmer), Geraldine Goh (licensed plumber and training entrepreneur), and Muaaz Samat (lift‑technician), and (iii) a survey of 512 Singaporean youths aged 22‑35 administered in 2025. Findings reveal that entrepreneurial pull, tangible reward structures, and perceived job security amid an aging trade workforce are the primary drivers. The study contributes to the scant scholarly literature on the re‑valorisation of skilled trades in high‑income, service‑oriented economies and offers actionable recommendations for SkillsFuture Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower, and tertiary institutions seeking to align education pathways with emerging labour‑market demand.
Keywords: skilled trades, youth employment, Singapore, entrepreneurship, vocational education, labour market, urban farming, plumbing, lift technology
- Introduction
Singapore’s economic model has long been predicated on high‑value services, knowledge‑intensive industries, and a strong emphasis on tertiary education (Ministry of Manpower [MOM], 2023). Consequently, policy frameworks such as SkillsFuture have historically positioned vocational training as a “secondary” pathway relative to university degrees (SkillsFuture Singapore, 2022). Nevertheless, recent anecdotal and media reports suggest a counter‑trend: a growing cohort of Millennials and Gen‑Zers are electing to pursue traditional skilled trades—fields historically associated with manual labour and apprenticeship models.
The Straits Times (ST) Headstart (2026) highlighted three individuals—Daniel Yap (urban farmer), Geraldine Goh (plumber‑entrepreneur), and Muaaz Samat (lift‑technician)—as exemplars of this shift. Their stories converge on several themes: a desire for autonomy, tangible outcomes, and entrepreneurial opportunity. Yet, scholarly scrutiny of this phenomenon remains limited, especially within the Southeast Asian context where rapid urbanisation and technological diffusion reshape occupational structures.
This paper addresses the following research questions:
What factors motivate younger Singaporeans to select traditional skilled trades over conventional white‑collar careers?
How do these motivations intersect with broader labour‑market dynamics, such as skill shortages and the ageing of the trade workforce?
What are the implications for vocational policy and higher‑education institutions?
By integrating quantitative survey data with rich qualitative narratives, the study seeks to provide an empirically grounded foundation for policy discourse on skill diversification and youth entrepreneurship in Singapore.
- Literature Review
2.1. Youth Employment and Career Aspirations
Globally, youth employment is shaped by macro‑economic cycles, educational attainment, and cultural expectations (ILO, 2021). In high‑income economies, credential inflation drives young adults toward university degrees even when labour‑market returns are diminishing (Brown & Hesketh, 2020). In Singapore, the Education and Employment Survey (MOM, 2022) reported that 71 % of respondents aged 25‑34 held a university qualification, while only 6 % reported apprenticeship or vocational training as their primary pathway.
2.2. The Skilled‑Trades Revival
Recent scholarship documents a “skills renaissance” in several OECD countries, where declining numbers of older tradespeople and heightened demand for infrastructure maintenance have stimulated policy attention (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training [Cedefop], 2023). In the United Kingdom, for example, the Apprenticeship Levy and targeted campaigns have successfully increased enrolment in construction and plumbing apprenticeships (Department for Education, 2022).
In Singapore, SkillsFuture has introduced Trade Certificates and Career Support schemes aimed at rejuvenating the trades pipeline (SkillsFuture Singapore, 2022). However, empirical analyses of uptake among younger cohorts remain scarce.
2.3. Entrepreneurship and the “Tangible Reward” Thesis
Several studies argue that tangible outcomes—visible products, immediate service impact—enhance job satisfaction for younger workers who value meaningful and observable contributions (Kahn, 2020). Moreover, entrepreneurial identity has been linked to the pursuit of trades that allow for self‑employment, flexibility, and the ability to leverage niche market opportunities (Aldrich & Cliff, 2021).
2.4. Ageing Workforce and Skill Shortages
Singapore faces an ageing demographic among skilled tradespeople. MOM data (2023) indicate that 62 % of licensed plumbers are aged 45 + , and 54 % of lift‑technicians are over 50. This creates a critical skills gap projected to affect 27 % of the construction and building‑services sector by 2030 (MOM, 2024).
- Theoretical Framework
The study adopts a Push‑Pull‑Mooring (PPM) model (Lee, 2016) to conceptualise the decision‑making process of young workers switching from conventional white‑collar trajectories to skilled trades.
Push factors: dissatisfaction with conventional career pathways (e.g., high competition, limited autonomy).
Pull factors: attractive attributes of trades (e.g., entrepreneurship, tangible outputs, perceived security).
Mooring factors: personal and contextual moderators (e.g., family background, social networks, policy incentives).
The PPM framework has been applied successfully to migration studies and, more recently, to career transitions (Zhou & Song, 2022). By mapping interview narratives and survey responses onto this model, the research elucidates the multifaceted drivers behind the observed occupational shift.
- Methodology
4.1. Research Design
A convergent mixed‑methods design was employed (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). Quantitative and qualitative strands were collected concurrently, analysed separately, and subsequently merged to produce integrated findings.
4.2. Quantitative Component
Sample: 512 Singaporean residents (age 22‑35) recruited via an online panel (Straits Research, 2025). Quota sampling ensured representation across gender, ethnicity, and education level.
Instrument: A structured questionnaire comprising (i) demographic variables, (ii) occupational status, (iii) Career Motivation Scale (adapted from Kahn, 2020), (iv) Entrepreneurial Intentions Scale (Liñán & Chen, 2009), and (v) Perceived Job Security items (Miller, 2021).
Data analysis: Descriptive statistics, chi‑square tests for group differences, and binary logistic regression to predict choice of skilled trade (dependent variable) based on independent variables (entrepreneurial intention, perceived security, parental occupation, etc.).
4.3. Qualitative Component
Case selection: Purposive sampling identified three individuals featured in ST Headstart (2026) who embody distinct trade sectors—urban farming, plumbing, and lift technology.
Data collection: Semi‑structured interviews (≈ 90 minutes each) conducted between May and July 2025 in person or via video‑call. Topics included career trajectory, motivations, challenges, and future outlook.
Supplementary data: Archival material (news articles, company websites) and observational field notes from site visits (Noi Gardens farm, Agraffe plumbing workshop, lift‑maintenance depot).
Analysis: Thematic coding using NVivo 12, guided by the PPM framework. Inter‑coder reliability was secured (Cohen’s κ = 0.84).
4.4. Ethical Considerations
The study received approval from the NUS Institutional Review Board (IRB Ref: NUS‑IRB‑2025‑001). Informed consent was obtained from all participants; pseudonyms are used where appropriate.
- Findings
5.1. Quantitative Results
Variable % of respondents choosing a skilled trade Odds Ratio (OR) 95 % CI
Entrepreneurial intention (high) 28 % 3.42 2.31‑5.07
Perceived job security (high) 22 % 2.17 1.48‑3.18
Age (30‑35 vs. 22‑29) 19 % 1.54 1.02‑2.33
Parental occupation in trades 35 % 4.01 2.68‑6.01
University degree (yes) 12 % 0.61 0.41‑0.89
Entrepreneurial intention emerged as the strongest predictor (OR = 3.42, p < 0.001).
Parental occupation in a trade increased the odds of choosing a skilled trade by fourfold, indicating a significant mooring effect.
Respondents with a university degree were less likely to pursue a trade, suggesting a residual push away from traditional pathways.
5.2. Qualitative Themes
5.2.1. “The Farm Chose Me” – Autonomy and Lifestyle Fit
Daniel Yap described his transition from a materials‑science graduate to full‑time urban farmer as an “organic alignment” of personal values with work. He emphasised flexibility, control over production cycles, and the pleasure of seeing tangible growth. Notably, Yap’s expansion into Johor Bahru reflects a entrepreneurial scaling mindset, contradicting stereotypes of trades as static occupations.
“When I water the seedlings, I see immediate feedback; that’s something I never felt in lab work.” (Yap, interview, 2025)
5.2.2. “Retaining the Trade Knowledge” – Inter‑generational Transfer and Skill Preservation
Geraldine Goh’s narrative highlighted concern over the impending retirement of seasoned plumbers. She framed her business, Agraffe, as both a service provider and a training hub. Goh’s dual role—owner and certified trainer—demonstrates an integrated pull of entrepreneurship and skill transmission.
“There are more than 10,000 licensed plumbers approaching retirement. If we don’t mentor the next generation, the whole ecosystem collapses.” (Goh, interview, 2025)
5.2.3. “Safety, Precision, and Continuous Learning” – Technical Challenge and Job Security
Muaaz Samat (lift‑technician) articulated a sense of purpose derived from safeguarding public safety. The technical complexity of lift systems and the regulatory environment provide a stable demand for his expertise. Moreover, Samat’s participation in SkillsFuture upgrading programmes illustrates the institutional pull of continuous professional development.
“Every lift I service is a promise to the public that they will reach their floor safely. That responsibility keeps me motivated.” (Samat, interview, 2025)
5.2.4. “Entrepreneurship as the Core Driver” – Cross‑Case Synthesis
All three participants underscored entrepreneurial autonomy as a key motivator. Whether establishing a farm, a plumbing firm, or a personal brand in lift technology, the prospect of self‑employment intersected with the desire for tangible outcomes and social contribution.
5.3. Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative Findings
Entrepreneurial intent (quantitative) aligns with the entrepreneurial pull observed in interview narratives.
Parental occupation as a mooring factor is reinforced by Goh’s mention of mentorship ties to older plumbers.
Perceived job security resonates with Samat’s emphasis on safety‑critical work and the documented ageing of trade professionals.
- Discussion
6.1. Re‑conceptualising Skilled Trades in a Knowledge‑Economy
The findings challenge the binary view of “white‑collar vs. blue‑collar” in Singapore’s labour discourse. Skilled trades now embed entrepreneurial potential, digital enablement (e.g., e‑commerce for farm produce), and sustainability narratives (urban agriculture, green building services). This convergence aligns with the “Hybrid Skills” paradigm, wherein technical proficiency is complemented by business acumen (World Economic Forum, 2023).
6.2. Policy Implications
Curriculum Integration – SkillsFuture should embed entrepreneurship modules within trade certification programmes (e.g., Business Planning for Plumbers).
Targeted Incentives – Tax rebates and start‑up grants for youth‑led trade enterprises could lower entry barriers, akin to the Enterprise Development Grant for SMEs.
Mentorship Networks – Formalise “Trade‑Mentor” schemes linking retiring masters with aspiring apprentices, leveraging platforms such as MySkillsFuture for matching.
Awareness Campaigns – Public‑service announcements showcasing role models (e.g., Yap, Goh, Samat) could shift societal perceptions and reduce stigma around trades.
6.3. Theoretical Contribution
Applying the Push‑Pull‑Mooring model to career choice reveals a nuanced interplay:
Push – Over‑qualification, limited upward mobility in corporate settings.
Pull – Autonomy, tangible outcomes, entrepreneurial pathways, job security.
Mooring – Family background, policy incentives, peer networks.
This extends the PPM framework beyond migration, demonstrating its utility in occupational mobility studies.
6.4. Limitations
Cross‑sectional survey: Causality cannot be inferred; longitudinal follow‑up would strengthen findings.
Sample bias: Online panel participants may over‑represent digitally literate youths.
Case depth: While rich, the three case studies may not capture the full heterogeneity of trade sectors (e.g., carpentry, electrical work).
Future research should incorporate longitudinal tracking of trade apprentices and explore regional variations (e.g., North vs. South Singapore) in trade adoption.
- Conclusion
Singapore’s labor market is undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation: younger workers are increasingly drawn to traditional skilled trades not merely as fallback options, but as strategic, entrepreneurial, and socially meaningful career pathways. This trend is propelled by an interplay of push factors (disillusionment with conventional career ladders), pull factors (autonomy, tangible outcomes, security), and mooring influences (family heritage, policy incentives).
Policymakers and educational institutions must respond by re‑branding trades, embedding entrepreneurial curricula, and facilitating inter‑generational knowledge transfer. Such measures will not only alleviate the looming skill shortages in vital service sectors but also diversify Singapore’s economic resilience in an era of rapid technological change.
References
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Appendix A – Survey Instrument (selected items)
Appendix B – Coding Framework (PPM Themes)
Appendix C – Logistic Regression Output