DBS launches FinTech Apprenticeship Programme to prepare students for tech roles

Upon graduating from the programme, students will undergo a final technology hackathon to be considered for direct placement in a permanent role with DBS.

DBS has launched a structured three-year DBS FinTech Apprenticeship Programme under the Techskills Accelerator (TeSA) for ITE and Polytechnics Alliance (TIP Alliance), set up by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and industry partners.

Developed in collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic and Nanyang Polytechnic to prepare polytechnic students for technology roles in the bank, the programme will kick off with 20 students in the first batch this year, with plans to scale the programme up to benefit more students across all five polytechnics in Singapore. 

Under the DBS FinTech Apprenticeship Programme, students will acquire practical knowledge and industry experience throughout their three years of polytechnic education to prepare them for technology roles in the financial sector:

• Years one to three: Each year, students will attend masterclasses delivered by the bank’s senior engineers to gain exposure to how technology is being deployed in the banking and financial sector. Lecturers will be selected from the bank’s Distinguished Engineer Programme.
• Year two: Students will receive mentorship from the bank’s senior engineers during their school-based project, which are designed to provide greater exposure to how technologies such as AI/ML and blockchain have been reshaping banking and finance.
• Year three: Students will participate in a full-time apprenticeship of up to 12 months with DBS, where they will put theory into practice and gain a better understanding of how technology drives financial innovation. Students could be placed in technical roles such as application development, AI/ML, data, and risk technology for their apprenticeships. Students will also need to complete at least 50 hours of structured learning and certification courses at the DBS Tech Academy, the bank’s in-house technology training institute.

Upon graduating from the programme, students will undergo a final technology hackathon to be considered for direct placement in a permanent role with DBS.

Jimmy Ng, Group Chief Information Officer and Head of Technology & Operations at DBS commented: "As a key employer in Singapore, DBS remains committed to developing a robust pipeline of local talent for the banking sector, particularly in growth areas where finance and technology intersect. We believe our collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic and Nanyang Polytechnic diversifies the pathways polytechnic students can take to enter the exciting world of banking and finance.

"We also hope the DBS FinTech Apprenticeship Programme provides a useful blueprint for industry and education institutions to forge more partnerships, which we believe will become increasingly important for nurturing the next generation of future-ready talent."

Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive, IMDA added: "Technology skills are in demand in tech companies, as well as companies across all sectors of the economy. We’re excited that DBS, a member of the TIP Alliance, is launching this apprenticeship for the financial sector. This will support polytechnic students to deepen their skill sets during their course of studies so they are well-equipped to take on tech roles when they begin their careers.

"We hope that more companies will embark on similar initiatives to support ITE and polytechnic students to deepen their skillsets to take on tech roles and careers."

Photo / Shutterstock

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