Date Published: 16 Aug 2006
- Professionalises PE jobs and sets clear skills standards across the industry
- Raises specialised skills training and quality of in-house training
Singapore’s first manufacturing skills and qualifications system is launched for the Precision Engineering Industry today. Aimed at equipping Singapore workers with portable skills to ride the restructuring of the manufacturing sector, PE WSQ is jointly developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Precision Engineering Industry Skills & Training Council led by Dr Moh Chong Tau, President and CEO of Makino Asia.
2. Focusing on the three sub-sectors of Tool & Die, Component Manufacturing, and Machinery & Equipment, PE WSQ is a relevant pathway for companies to build a pipeline of workers in an industry that is the backbone of the manufacturing sector. Based on projected growth in 2006, the industry has over 1,000 vacancies. These vacancies include Production Design Engineers, Mould & Die Designer, Quality Engineers, Tool & Die Makers and CNC Machinists.
3. In line with WSQ objectives, the PE WSQ comprises a number of core competencies, some of which can be applied in multiple industry sectors. Workers equipped with these common core skills and knowledge will be better prepared to face industry changes like restructuring or outsourcing. It will enable workers to apply their acquired skills in other industries and companies.
4. PE WSQ enhances the quality of industry training and enables customisation so that workers can be more effectively prepared to undertake higher value-add and advanced manufacturing processes and application development. Offering skills qualifications in areas such as Conceptual Engineering, Manufacturing & Production, Maintenance & Servicing, and Die & Mould Tool Making, WSQ will also benefit workers with technical training from our institutes of higher learning as they may still require substantive on-the-job training before they can be effective at their jobs. With the WSQ’s Assessment-Only-Pathway (AOP) certification process, a skilled worker who can demonstrate the competencies can obtain the relevant certifications through an assessment instead of having to attend any training.
5. Chairman of the Precision Engineering Industry Skills and Training Council, Dr Moh Chong Tau, also President and CEO of Makino Asia, says “For the PE industry to remain relevant, we need to enhance our skills and competency level to that of advanced countries so that we can compete more effectively with higher-value additions. PE WSQ provides a flexible and modular training programme, which enables the employee to learn continuously at their own pace. It also allows for the companies to chart a career path for employees, to be able to compete with the changing competitive landscape."
6. Mr Ong Ye Kung, Chief Executive of WDA shares, “The manufacturing sector historically goes through a cycle of peaks and troughs. Our workers must have the resilience to weather the economic cycle and go where the jobs are. With WSQ, workers can be equipped with a set of foundation skills that will make them employable in more industries. To enable them to move up in their jobs or switch career, WSQ will give them the occupational skills that are relevant to that job and to the industry."
7. In conjunction with the launch of PE WSQ, WDA and its partners have organised the following activities for job seekers and the public at the Red Dot Design Museum on 16 and 17 August:
- Industry Showcase - showcase the PE industry and how it empowers business and lifestyle. Cameron, Hamilton Sundstrand, Makino, Philips (ETG) and Sunningdale Tech will be onsite to showcase their products which are components within items that are part and parcel of our everyday life. Career Talks (Aug 16 - 7 pm, Aug 17 - 3 pm and 5 pm) - Hear from employers the career opportunities and progression pathways for workers in the industry. Job Opportunities - Find out the job openings in PE companies, where more than 150 vacancies spanning diverse roles at various levels are available. Besides technicians and technical specialists, recruiting companies are also looking for machinists, mould makers and engineers.
8. Museum entry charges will be waived on these two days. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg.
