Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has entered into a partnership with the National Trades Union Congress’ e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to equip 300 local technicians with the skills required by the growing aerospace industry. These trainees will go on to become a vital part of the highly-skilled workforce Rolls-Royce needs at its state-of-the-art facility at Seletar Aerospace Park.
Jonathan Asherson, Rolls-Royce, Regional Director, Southeast Asia said: “The Seletar Campus will house some of the Group’s most sophisticated research and advanced manufacturing technologies. As the first engine manufacturer to be assembling and testing large Civil engines in Singapore, this partnership with e2i and WDA will play a vital role in helping to meet our skills need. It will equip local talent with new, specialist skills and knowledge, and help to broaden the capabilities of Singapore’s already vibrant aerospace industry.”
Ong Ye Kung, Chairman, e2i, said: “Singapore is moving towards higher value add activities. For Singaporeans to benefit from such investments, we must be prepared to invest in the training and development of Singaporean workers, so that they can take up the jobs. This process of education and training has to go beyond the schools, polytechnics and universities. It must happen at the workplace, involving the employers and equipment manufacturers. I hope this project opens a new chapter in adult education and training, and strengthen our effort to move towards productivity-driven growth.”
This training programme will be structured around new and existing WSQ Aerospace and Precision Engineering modules, which will address the specific skills Rolls-Royce requires. Trainees will have the opportunity to work closely with Trent 900 and Trent 1000 engines and this will ensure that their training mirrors the activity that they will eventually undertake on the shop floor.
Julia Ng, Director of Manufacturing and Construction Division in theSingapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) said: “WDA is happy to collaborate with and support Rolls-Royce in the training of its new workers. The commitment by Rolls-Royce to fully adopt WSQ as the company’s total training strategy is highly commendable. This will facilitate technology transfer and at the same time equip our workers with cutting edge skills which will enhance their employability and the competitiveness of our economy.”
Rolls-Royce is a supporter of adult workers training. In July 2010, the Group collaborated with SIA Engineering Company and the WDA to introduce three new WSQ modules for the aerospace industry in Singapore. Later that year in October, Rolls-Royce signed two agreements with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to enable a series of new, specialist courses, which will equip the engineers of the future with the technical skills needed by the aerospace and marine industries.
The development of new training programmes will support the Group’s continued development in Singapore, where it is investing significantly for future growth. Research published last year showed that by 2015 the Group’s activities in Singapore will sustain nearly 25,000 local jobs and contribute more than S$1.5 billion – approximately 0.5% of GDP – to Singapore’s economy.