JTC Corporation and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) have collaborated on a project for boosting Singapore as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
This is in efforts of creating a pool of skilled workers for this industry.
SP will partner with big companies of this industry to create technology solutions and perform workforce training for organisations.
These will be structured towards helping organisations redesign operations and to promote technology adoption.
SP will also be implementing work-study programmes for students, entry-level professionals and employees. JTC will be providing support for this.
SP students will also be granted internships and opportunities to work on projects at various advanced manufacturing companies. Some of these companies are new additions to the Jurong Innovation District and will be established by JTC in the next 20 years.
SP students will have access to these opportunities in the next three years.
Some of these opportunities include programmes on the applications of Industry 4.0 methods and technologies by German engineering firm Bosch Rexroth at its regional training centre.
Others are those from the NTU-JTC Industry Talent Development Programme:
The NTU-JTC Industry Talent Development Programme has been set up to meet the increasing demand for skilled talent in advanced manufacturing as more Singapore facilities possess advanced manufacturing capabilities.
This programme will strengthen industry-academia collaboration, where companies will benefit from early access to talent and undergraduates will enjoy increased opportunities for learning and early exposure to the Industry 4.0 work environment.
This collaboration will provide a pool of industry and academia resources and share practical applications of advanced manufacturing technologies through internships and projects.
The programme is targeted at NTU’s undergraduates participating in the seven work-study degree programme and co-operative education track, aimed at deepening students’ industry exposure.
“The global digital transformation in manufacturing will require a new generation to work alongside new technologies in a digitalised workplace,” said JTC chief executive Ng Lang on the nurturing of students for the future workforce.
He said that collaborations with educational institutions are crucial for ensuring that the workforce is prepared well and right with the necessary skills to meet the demands of the industry.
This is in line with the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the launch of an exhibition on the upcoming 600ha Jurong Innovation District.
Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who graced the event, said the “masterplan for the innovation district” is crucial to Singapore.
Jurong Innovation District is part of the next stage in the upgrading of the advanced manufacturing industry. This involves the inclusion of new technology and enhanced processes for manufacturing.
Mr Tharman said that 95,000 jobs are expected to be created once the new district is fully developed.
