A Guide To Applying For I-Ready Brunei

The i-Ready programme is a special apprenticeship scheme introduced by the Brunei government in 2017 to enhance the employability of unemployed graduates. The programme provides citizens and permanent residents with little to no work experience the opportunity to be attached to various industries in the public and private sectors. To apply for the i-Ready programme, applicants must first register with the JobCentre Brunei System and have at least a degree-level qualification. Once registered, applicants can filter i-Ready apprenticeship opportunities through the JobCentre website.

i-Ready programme requirements

The i-Ready programme is a 3-year apprenticeship scheme in Brunei that aims to increase the employability of unemployed graduates by exposing them to various industries in both the public and private sectors. It is open to citizens and permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam with little to no working experience.

To be eligible for the i-Ready programme, unemployed graduates (degree and above) must first register with the JobCentre Brunei System. This requires an e-Darussalam account, which can be activated at the JobCentre Brunei (JCB) located at the old BINA building in the Beribi Industrial Area. Once registered, graduates can filter i-Ready apprenticeship opportunities in real time through the JobCentre website. There is no age limit or minimum period of unemployment for applicants.

Before signing onto the apprenticeship, graduates will be interviewed by a panel comprising the host organisation and the Manpower Policy and Planning Unit (MPPU). During the apprenticeship, the host organisation will monitor the apprentice's development to ensure it meets industry needs. The apprentice will receive a monthly allowance of $800 from the Brunei Government for a maximum period of 3 years. The host organisation has the option to permanently employ the apprentice at any time.

i-Ready application process

The i-Ready programme is a special apprenticeship scheme introduced by the Brunei Government in 2017. It aims to increase the employability of unemployed graduates by providing them with real-world work experience in various industries, both in the public and private sectors. The programme offers a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum of three years, with contributions also made towards the graduate's Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and Supplemental Contributory Pension (SCP).

To apply for the i-Ready programme, applicants must first register with the JobCentre Brunei System. This requires creating an e-Darussalam account, which can be activated at the JobCentre Brunei (JCB) office located in the old BINA building in the Beribi Industrial Area. Once registered, graduates can filter and apply for i-Ready apprenticeship opportunities through the JobCentre website. There is no age limit or minimum unemployment period for graduates to sign up for the apprenticeship.

Before being accepted onto the apprenticeship, graduates will be interviewed by a panel comprising representatives from the host organisation and the Manpower Policy and Planning Unit (MPPU). During the apprenticeship, the host organisation will monitor the apprentice's development to ensure it meets industry needs. A progress report on the graduate's performance will be shared with the MPPU every six months, detailing tasks, targets, and professional development.

The host organisation has the option to permanently employ the apprentice at any time during or after the apprenticeship. The i-Ready programme provides a great opportunity for unemployed graduates to gain valuable work experience and enhance their employability, while also addressing the issue of graduate unemployment in Brunei.

i-Ready apprenticeship benefits

The i-Ready Apprenticeship Program is a government initiative in Brunei Darussalam that aims to enhance the employability and marketability of local job seekers. The program offers a range of benefits to participants, including:

On-the-Job Training and Work Experiential Learning: The i-Ready Apprenticeship Program provides participants with on-the-job training and work experiential learning opportunities in various industries, including the public and private sectors. This allows participants to gain valuable skills and knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals.

Increased Employability: One of the main objectives of the program is to increase the employability of local job seekers. By providing on-the-job training and work experience, the program helps participants develop the skills and knowledge required to secure full-time employment. The program also encourages companies to hire apprentices upon completion of their apprenticeship, in line with the national objective of increasing local employment.

Monthly Allowance: The Brunei Government provides a monthly allowance of BND 800 to participants during their apprenticeship. This financial support helps apprentices focus on their professional development without financial worries. The allowance is provided for a maximum period of 3 years and is sponsored by the government.

No Age Limit: The i-Ready Apprenticeship Program does not have an age limit for participants. This flexibility allows a wide range of individuals to benefit from the program, regardless of their age. As long as they meet the other eligibility criteria, such as being unemployed and having minimal work experience, they can apply for the apprenticeship.

Enhanced Marketability: By providing real-world work experience and exposure to different industries, the i-Ready Apprenticeship Program helps participants become more marketable to potential employers. The program equips apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and experience sought by companies, increasing their chances of securing suitable employment during or after the program.

The i-Ready Apprenticeship Program offers a range of benefits that support the professional development and employability of local job seekers in Brunei Darussalam. It provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to gain work experience, enhance their skills, and increase their chances of securing full-time employment.

i-Ready apprenticeship challenges

The i-Ready apprenticeship programme in Brunei is a government initiative to enhance the employability of unemployed graduates. The programme offers a 3-year apprenticeship to graduates with little to no work experience, providing them with the opportunity to work in various industries in both the public and private sectors. The host organisation can choose to employ the apprentice permanently at any time.

The i-Ready apprenticeship programme has faced some challenges and received feedback for improvement. Here are some of the key challenges and potential solutions:

Challenge 1: Lack of True Immersion for Apprentices

Some apprentices have shared that they felt more like interns, with an expiration date on their tenure. They experienced a disconnect between their role as an apprentice and that of a full-time employee, despite having similar workloads and expectations.

Potential Solution:

To address this challenge, host organisations could focus on providing a more comprehensive onboarding process, clearly outlining the apprentice's role, expectations, and opportunities for growth within the organisation. Additionally, creating a mentor programme or support system for apprentices to help them navigate their roles and feel more integrated into the company culture could be beneficial.

Challenge 2: Disparity in Allowance and Job Nature

There is a concern about the standard allowance of BND 800 for apprentices, regardless of the nature of their work. Some apprentices are engaged in accounting or skilled work, while others are in more menial jobs. This has raised questions about fairness and the potential for companies to take advantage of the programme for financial gain.

Potential Solution:

To address this challenge, a tiered allowance structure could be implemented, taking into consideration the type of work, skill level, and industry standards. The government could work with host organisations to evaluate the roles and responsibilities of apprentices and adjust the allowance accordingly. This would ensure that apprentices are fairly compensated and that companies are held accountable for providing meaningful apprenticeship opportunities.

Challenge 3: Lack of Full-Time Employment Offers

While host organisations have the option to offer full-time employment to apprentices at any time, there are concerns that the number of apprentices being offered permanent positions is lower than expected. This may be due to companies taking advantage of the programme to fulfil short-term resource needs without a long-term commitment.

Potential Solution:

To mitigate this issue, the government could implement incentives or recognition programmes for host organisations that successfully transition apprentices into full-time employees. Additionally, there could be a requirement for host organisations to provide feedback and performance evaluations to apprentices, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and potentially leading to more permanent employment offers.

Challenge 4: Need for Improved Job Matching

As the i-Ready programme focuses on enhancing the employability of graduates, ensuring a good match between the apprentice's skills and interests and the host organisation's industry is crucial.

Potential Solution:

To address this challenge, the government could enhance the job matching process by conducting thorough skill assessments of graduates and creating detailed profiles of their qualifications and career goals. Host organisations could also provide clear job descriptions and expectations, allowing for a more transparent and effective matching process.

By addressing these challenges and continuously improving the i-Ready apprenticeship programme, Brunei can empower unemployed graduates to gain valuable work experience, increase their marketability, and successfully transition into full-time employment, ultimately reducing graduate unemployment in the country.

i-Ready apprenticeship outcomes

The i-Ready apprenticeship programme is a scheme introduced by the Brunei Government to enhance the employability of unemployed graduates in the country. The programme is designed to expose graduates to various industries in both the public and private sectors. Here are some of the expected outcomes of the i-Ready apprenticeship programme:

Industry-Specific Knowledge and Skills

The i-Ready programme aims to provide graduates with industry-specific knowledge and skills. Throughout the 3-year programme, apprentices will be attached to host organisations in different sectors, where they will gain practical experience and develop a understanding of the industry. This will improve their employability and increase their chances of securing permanent employment.

Enhanced Employability and Marketability

By providing graduates with real-world experience and industry exposure, the i-Ready programme aims to enhance their employability and marketability. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry requirements, making graduates more attractive to potential employers. This is achieved by allowing host organisations to monitor the apprentices' development and ensure it meets industry needs.

Increased Opportunities for Permanent Employment

The i-Ready programme provides a pathway to permanent employment for unemployed graduates. Host organisations have the option to offer full-time positions to apprentices at any time during or after the apprenticeship. This means that graduates have the opportunity to secure long-term employment within the 3-year programme duration.

Development of Soft Skills

In addition to industry-specific skills, apprentices will also have the opportunity to develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers and can increase the graduates' competitiveness in the job market.

Financial Support and Stability

The Brunei Government provides a monthly allowance of $800 for a maximum period of 3 years to all i-Ready apprentices. This financial support ensures that graduates can focus on their professional development without financial worries. Additionally, contributions are made towards the graduate's Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and Supplemental Contributory Pension (SCP).

Overall, the i-Ready apprenticeship programme aims to empower unemployed graduates by providing them with the necessary skills, experience, and financial stability to secure permanent employment and succeed in their chosen industries.

Frequently asked questions