22/08/2016

New Career Head-start For Participants Of The SkillsFuture Earn And Learn Programme For Energy And Chemicals

The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for energy and chemicals sector will give the first batch of 26 trainees a head-start in their careers.

This was revealed by Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills), Mr Ong Ye Kung at a visit to the manufacturing plant of Shell Eastern Petroleum Pte Ltd at Pulau Bukom today. Shell Eastern Petroleum Pte Ltd is one of the eight energy and chemicals companies on board the programme. The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for the energy and chemicals sector is jointly led by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency.

Building skilled process technicians for the sector

The energy and chemicals sector has S$40 billion worth of investments from over 100 companies, and the output from the energy and chemicals sector accounted for nearly S$282 billion or 29% of Singapore’s total manufacturing output in 2015. The sector currently hires more than 40,000 employees.

This SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme aims to meet the strong demand in the sector for process technicians who play a key role in the plant operations. Participants will undergo a unique blend of in-campus skills training at SP and structured on-the-job training and mentorship with their employers at the workplace over 18 months.

The programme curriculum, which covers process principles, design, optimisation and safety amongst others, is co-developed with and validated by industry practitioners from major energy and chemicals companies. These will equip participants with skills and knowledge to operate process plants safely and efficiently. Upon completion, participants will receive an Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering awarded by SP.

Process technicians, who have successfully completed the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme and intend to pursue a degree programme, will be considered for admission and exemption from selected modules for the Bachelor of Technology (Chemical Engineering) programme with the National University of Singapore or the Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) programme with the Singapore Institute of Technology – Newcastle University, subject to them meeting the entry requirements.

Sharing his thoughts on the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme, Stephen Fowler General Manager of Shell Jurong Island said, "We are happy to join with our counterparts in the energy and chemicals sector to develop local talents in deepening the mastery of skills within the classroom and in the field. Shell is always on the lookout for strong talents. The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme has provided us with a good crop of 14 trainees, 11 of whom are females, for Pulau Bukom Manufacturing Site and Shell Jurong Island."

Separately, Kimberly Siar, who is training with Hydrochem Pte Ltd, another company on board the programme said, "The SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme is a good opportunity for me to know more about the energy and chemicals industry. The clear job progression and structured training programme with mentorship from experienced professionals is a good way for me to start my career. With possible exemptions from selected modules for relevant degree programmes, I am more motivated to continue my career in this booming industry."