STUDENT INTAKE REMAINS “FAIRLY STABLE”
Companies CNA spoke in order to also said that pickings for talent are slim, noting that fewer architecture students move on to do their particular master’s degree, that is typically needed to exercise architecture in Singapore.
“They also realise that they’ve got so many years of studying, and after that when they come out, they feel that in terms of work satisfaction, pay plus hours, it’s just not worth the effort, ” said Mr Kok.
“I think a lot of them make early exit choices, so it’s quite worrying and very sad. ”
In a survey last August by the Singapore Institute of Designers, only 7 % of young graduates said they were more likely to stay in the career in the long run.
Student intake for the Structures and Sustainable Style programme at the Singapore University of Technologies and Design (SUTD) has “remained stable”, said the university’s spokesperson.
“We have not skilled a significant decline in numbers. Our ASD (Architecture and Sustainable Design) undergraduates and Master of Structures graduates still pick the architecture profession predominantly, ” the spokesperson said.
“A small number has ventured into affiliated design industries for example experience design, exhibit design and digital solutions providers in the built environment industry. ”
The particular programme has a “stringent selection process” plus “close-knit study environment”, and students are coached and mentored to “keep upon course” for graduation, the SUTD spokesperson said.
Intake for architecture students at the Nationwide University of Singapore (NUS) has similarly “remained fairly steady over the years”, said a spokesperson for the College of Style and Engineering.
The curriculum trains students within skills that are highly relevant to a “broad variety” of careers. Learners in NUS’ most recent batch of architecture students had an employment rate of 97. 7 per cent, with “competitive” median starting salaries at S$4, 000, the spokesperson said.
“Whilst not all in our graduates go on to operate as architects, our curriculum’s focus on style excellence ensures that those who do choose to explore additional fields find achievement in related professions, ” said the particular NUS spokesperson.
Architecture graduate student Chua Sheng Chuan told CNA that of the 150 college students in his batch, just about 20 of them are usually architects now, five years after graduation.
Mr Chua, who set up his own timber construction firm Calvary Carpentry, said he decided not to consider his master’s degree despite interning on several architecture firms.
“If a person ask me – do I want to achieve the stage where I become an architect? Yeah, I think every one of us nevertheless has that small dream within all of them. But it’s just that the process to get there is certainly so hard, ” the particular 31-year-old said.
“I think every single architecture student… wants to see their own ideas become a reality without having all the trouble in between. ”
Structures firms should be section of a larger group pushing for “more good changes” in the professional sector, said Mr Seah.
“There’s still a great deal we can do to make it a lot more attractive when it comes to prospects, opportunities. Remuneration for architects, not simply young but specifically for our talents, ” he added.
“The subject matter of talent retention is very critical, because the draining part is not obvious when it begins. And it’ll become very evident (after that) but by then it’s already too late.
“It’s timely not just from the firm’s perspective yet from an entire profession and sector, all of us look at this issue deeply… and really induce several positive change. ”