JTC Corporation (JTC) and Nanyang Technological University of Singapore (NTU) have partnered with manufacturing companies on a programme aimed at training undergraduates in advanced manufacturing. 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.
Chief Executive Officer of JTC Mr Ng Lang said, “Manufacturing is at a pivotal phase of transformation, largely driven by digitalisation. The advent of technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics is increasing the demand for higher-skilled manpower to manage such technologies. This programme gives companies access to young talent at an early stage, while building up a pipeline for the growing advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Jurong Innovation District, and beyond.”
NTU is located within Jurong Innovation District, a hub for manufacturers, R&D institutions, industry enablers, innovation adopters, and training providers.
The pilot batch of advanced manufacturing companies participating in the programme include Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR) Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC) and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech). JTC and NTU openly invite more industry players to jump onto the bandwagon and be a part of this programme.
“As NTU nurtures students to tackle the challenges in an Industry 4.0 work environment, collaborations with industry partners become increasingly important. The new programme adds to NTU’s offerings of work and learn initiatives and is yet another example of the university’s close links to industry. It is a win-win formula – our students get to learn the ropes from our partner companies’ wealth of experience, and at the same time, the advanced manufacturing sector continues to see a steady stream of skilled talent to meet rising demand”, said NTU Provost and Vice President (Academic) Professor Ling San.
