[This letter was published in the ST Forum page on 1 May 2014]
ENCOURAGING older students to take on part-time
jobs (“Promote culture of part-time work among students” by Mr Michael Leong;
Tuesday) offers a pragmatic approach to tackling the labour crunch in the
service sector. It also benefits the students.
Two of my children worked in the food and
beverage industry during the school holidays and term breaks.
As a parent, I felt proud that they did not
complain when faced with difficult superiors or demanding customers, but
instead overcame the challenges.
They had the benefit of working with supervisors
who demanded no less in service standards from part-time staff, and provided
strict on-the-job training.
The discipline required for service excellence,
the ability to think on their feet, the hard work and, most of all, working
with others from all walks of life provided them with invaluable lessons in
character and relationship development.
Many students are working part-time even when
they do not need the money.
I know of some who are doing very well in their
studies while holding down part-time jobs. So I agree that offering part-time
employment to students is a value proposition the authorities ought to consider
seriously.