Up to 400 vacancies in the newly created Solar Technologist role will be available

1. Singapore is aiming to achieve almost five times the current solar usage by 2030 to achieve 2 gigawatt-peak (GWP). This acceleration in harnessing solar energy to meet electricity demand is set to create new job opportunities for Singaporeans. As an appointed Jobs Development Partner (JDP) by the National Jobs Council, National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) has proactively worked with the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) and its members to redesign jobs for the solar industry to meet these demands.  The solar industry is set to create viable long-term career growth as it is relatively cushioned from economic fluctuations and the lifespan of these infrastructures are set to last decades.

Career Development Plan (CDP) for Solar Technologist 

2. Going beyond preparing and matching Singaporeans to job vacancies, NTUC’s e2i together with SEAS unveiled the first industry Career Development Plan (CDP) for Solar Technologist. This will pave a clear career pathway with well-defined progression in skills, job role, wages and in-turn productivity for the industry. Under the CDP, the Solar Technologist role has been redesigned to embrace more in-depth and wholistic understanding of solar photovoltaic systems. Traditionally, the job of solar panel installation is done by the construction sector but there is an industry call for talents to see through the project in its entire lifecycle, from installation, commissioning, utilisation to maintenance. The CDP is based on a tiered approach to progressively build-up skills and experience from an entry-level technician to a Principal Solar Technologist. Companies will work with e2i on suitable training-related schemes to hire and train Singaporeans.

Strong industry collaboration to tackle manpower challenges 

3. This ground-up initiative heightens the importance of strong industry collaboration to tackle manpower challenges and attract and groom talent for the long-term. NTUC’s e2i and SEAS will be supporting companies in recruiting and training up a strong pool of Singaporeans for this role. There is currently a demand for 400 Solar Technologists and the industry is set to grow even more.
4. Two Memorandums-of-Understanding (MOUs) were signed today between NTUC’s e2i, SEAS, solar companies, and training providers to ink commitment to jobs and skills training under the CDP. The signings were witnessed by NTUC Secretary-General, Mr Ng Chee Meng. Mr Ng also toured the recruitment drive titled SGUnited Jobs & Skills for Solar Industry held at the Singapore Sustainability Academy.
5. Chief Executive Officer of e2i and Assistant Director-General of NTUC, Mr Gilbert Tan said, “NTUC’s e2i is always at the forefront in proactively reaching out to industries to create better jobs for Singaporeans. We are glad to work closely with SEAS and the solar companies to roll out the first industry Career Development Plan for Solar Energy to benefit Singaporeans who are keen to enter the sector. Singaporeans can tap on the opportunities for sustained career and wage progression based on their growth at different skills levels and work experience.”
6. Executive Director of Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS), Ms Kavita Gandhi, “The solar industry is expanding rapidly, and we are glad to partner e2i and rally our members to support each other and develop the Career Development Plan for Solar Technologist to build in for the industry. This concerted effort to build competencies within our local workforce will create a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent and support Singapore’s acceleration in the adoption of clean energy.”
7. Quote from Sunseap Group CEO & Co-founder, Mr Frank Phuan, “Sunseap is committed to the investment in our employees with effective training and skills programme to help them reach their full potential. By having a sustainable talent pool, we can retain and attract workers, creating long-term value that ensures our business growth.”