Date Published: 11 Nov 2006
The launch of the inaugural Green Thumbs Landscape Contest and Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) System for the landscape industry this morning marked a key milestone in the development of the nation’s landscape sector. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong presented medals to 24 individual and team winners of the Green Thumbs Landscape Skills Contest which was jointly organised by the National Parks Board (NParks), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA). The first batch of 82 graduates who successfully completed the course for a WSQ Certificate in Landscape Operations also received their certificates from the Prime Minister. PM Lee later joined two landscape workers to prune a topiary at the launch event.
2. Speaking at the event, NParks’ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Lang said, “I am pleased that the landscape industry is one of the pioneering sectors to implement the WSQ system, developed in collaboration with WDA. We work in close partnership with NTUC and the industry to identify suitable people who can benefit from this new training framework. We believe this partnership to help upgrade the industry will be key in our vision to make Singapore a City in a Garden.”
3. Green Thumbs is an annual contest for landscape workers in Singapore to showcase their horticultural and landscape skills and abilities. Individuals and teams are assessed on their demonstrated landscape skills. Winners are judged on criteria such as quality management of worksite including work safety, pruning skills, planting skills, turfing skills, quality and timeliness of work in accordance with specifications, and teamwork. The contest aims to recognise the contributions of the landscape industry in developing Singapore as a City in a Garden. The contest will also boost the image and professionalism of the industry by setting work quality and skills standards for the landscape workforce.
4. The Landscape WSQ System is a joint initiative by WDA, NParks and the landscape industry led by the Singapore Landscape Industry Council. Landscape WSQ establishes national occupational standards for each landscape job function and maps out the skills progression pathways at each level (operation, supervisory & managerial). The training under Landscape WSQ leads to national qualifications that are recognised by landscaping employers. The system includes new and unique competencies that are aligned with the vision of a City in a Garden such as landscape management, maintenance and construction, arboriculture and interiorscapes to prepare the workforce for the upcoming projects in the landscape industry.
5. Landscape WSQ builds upon the National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) for the landscape industry and will replace it by January 2007. Workers with NSRS certificates that are fully aligned or mapped to the Landscape WSQ need not repeat the same training modules under Landscape WSQ.
6. WDA’s Chief Executive Mr Ong Ye Kung said: “The WSQ system is particularly important for the landscape industry where most of the workers do not have formal qualifications. With this system, workers can look forward to national qualifications from certificate to diploma levels, to keep themselves employable. Formal qualifications, plus a clear career path, will make this a more attractive industry for workers.”
7. NTUC’s Job Re-creation Programme Director Mr Zee Yoong Kang said, “To enhance the landscaping industry as a professional sector, we work with NParks and industry partners on Job Re-creation initiatives to redesign landscaping jobs through best sourcing, training, automation and image upgrading, so that Singaporean workers find landscaping jobs and salary more attractive.”
8. Mr Ng, NParks added, “The landscape industry contributed significantly to making Singapore a premier Garden City and an attractive city to live, work & play. We have made great strides in our effort to upgrade the industry in the last two years. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with our partners to raise the bar of excellence to get ready a pool of qualified landscape practitioners for key projects such as the Gardens by the Bay. Through this, we will realise our aspiration to become a City in a Garden with a unique world-class living environment.“
About National Parks Board
9. The National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for providing and enhancing greenery of the Garden City. Beyond green infrastructure, NParks is committed to enhance the quality of life through creating memorable recreational experiences and lifestyles. NParks manages some 300 parks, the park connector network and the lush roadside greenery in Singapore. Some of the parks managed include Singapore Botanic Gardens, Fort Canning Park, East Coast Park, Bishan Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Pulau Ubin Recreation Area. In addition, NParks manages nature reserves such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
10. As Singapore’s scientific authority on nature conservation, NParks monitors and coordinates measures to ensure the health of designated nature areas.
NParks is also the lead agency in the efforts to continually upgrade the Landscape Industry in Singapore. It works closely with industry partners to promote good work practices and create a thriving, creative, innovative and professional industry that will support Singapore’s aspirations of being a City in the Garden.
11. For more information, log on to: www.nparks.gov.sg
About the Singapore Workforce Development Agency
12. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) seeks to enhance the competitiveness and employability of workers and jobseekers, so that they can contribute and adapt to a changing economy. To achieve this, we work with the industries, labour unions, employers, economic agencies, professional associations and training organisations, to support industry growth by building a pipeline of skilled workers, upgrading the skills of existing workers and raising the performance standards of our industries. One of WDA’s key initiatives is the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system –a national skills and qualifications framework for adult workers to skill up to remain employable and competitive. WSQ is recognized by employers and provides clear pathways for skills upgrading and career progression.
13. For more information, please visit http://www.wda.gov.sg
About the National Trades Union Congress
14. The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is a national federation of trade unions of workers in the industrial, service and public sectors representing over 460,000 workers in Singapore. It has 64 trade unions and 6 affiliated associations. A champion for workers, NTUC's main objectives includes helping Singaporeans to stay competitive and employable for life; enhancing the social status and well-being of workers; and building a strong, responsible and caring labour movement.
15. For more information, please visit http:// www.ntucworld.org.sg
