In a groundbreaking collaboration, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), ST Engineering, and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) are set to revolutionize Singapore’s precision engineering (PE) landscape. The newly formed partnership aims to upskill over 1,000 workers from 40 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within ST Engineering’s supplier network, thus preparing these businesses and their employees for the future of the industry.

This innovative initiative was launched on January 13, 2025, at the e2i Devan Nair Institute, with prominent leaders in attendance including NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, SSG Chief Executive Tan Kok Yam, and ST Engineering’s Group Chief Financial Officer Cedric Foo. Their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a significant milestone in workforce development by integrating NTUC's Company Training Committee (CTC) initiative with SSG's SkillsFuture Queen Bee Programme.

What This Partnership Entails:

1. Tailored Training Solutions: Workers will receive specialized training in precision engineering, digital manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. This customized approach ensures that the curriculum meets the specific needs of the SME sector.

2. Supportive Skills Managers: A dedicated Skills Manager will be assigned to evaluate the specific training needs of each SME, linking them with relevant programmes that fit their operational goals.

3. Financial Support for Growth: The NTUC's CTC Grant will provide extensive financial assistance, covering up to 70% of the training and transformation costs, enabling SMEs to invest in their workforce without crippling their budgets.

4. Boosting Career and Business Prospects: By equipping workers with in-demand skills, the initiative not only enhances individual career trajectories but also strengthens the competitiveness of SMEs in the fast-paced PE sector.

Ng Chee Meng emphasized the profound impact this partnership could have, stating that it offers workers the opportunity to secure better-paying jobs and enhances companies’ abilities to thrive amidst fierce market competition. “We aim to empower our workers and improve their job prospects while boosting productivity,” he added.

Tan Kok Yam, SSG’s Chief Executive, described this venture as ambitious, with the intent to maximize positive outcomes for both employees and businesses alike. With the surging global demand for semiconductors, Singapore's PE sector is well-positioned for growth. This partnership will initially focus on supporting ST Engineering’s Land Systems suppliers, with plans for expansion into other divisions.

Cedric Foo highlighted the critical role SMEs play within their supply chain, noting that precision engineering demands strict adherence to specifications to maintain quality. “In our collaborations with over 100 suppliers, it is essential for these SMEs to meet our high standards. This training initiative will help uplift our suppliers while cultivating a robust ecosystem of technology and engineering capabilities,” he stated.

As this ambitious project rolls out, it represents not just an opportunity for skill enhancement but a vital step toward ensuring that Singapore's precision engineering workforce remains competitive in an ever-evolving global landscape. With its focus on innovation and excellence, this collaboration is set to pave the way for a transformative era in the precision engineering sector. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey to the future of work!