NTUC’s e2i and NTUC LearningHub commit to promote career opportunities in aerospace engineering

NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and NTUC LearningHub (LHUB) signed agreements with Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) on 22 February 2024 to promote and generate awareness of 500 new engineering jobs.

The agreements come as SAESL announced its US$180 million (around S$242 million) investment to expand by 40 per cent with new facilities and advanced technologies.

SAESL is one of the world’s largest Rolls-Royce Trent engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organisations.

The company said the expansion seeks to capture rising engine MRO demand. For 2024, the Asia-Pacific region is forecasted to account for one-third of total global demand for MRO services, which is expected to grow by two to three per cent to US$657.23 billion (around S$883 billion).

The aviation and aerospace industry contributes three per cent to Singapore’s GDP and provides over 375,000 jobs in Singapore.

The partnerships between SAESL, e2i and LHUB will encourage upgrading of skillsets, support transformative growth in advanced repair, additive remanufacturing, non-contact measurement, automation and digital technology, and facilitate career advancement for individuals seeking to join the aerospace engineering field.

LHUB will also be appointed as SAESL’s preferred training partner and will train the new hires to fill the positions.

The aerospace industry of tomorrow

NTUC Deputy-Secretary General Desmond Tan witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding during the Singapore Airshow 2024, calling it a significant milestone for the aerospace industry.

He said that although the industry had gone through several dips during the COVID-19 pandemic, the airshow demonstrated the industry’s adaptability, resilience, and innovation, which are key factors contributing to Singapore’s successful recovery.

“Despite the challenges, there is good optimism that the industry is likely to experience growth. But even as we step out of the pandemic, we recognise that there are several challenges that the industry faces. One of which is supply chain, and second is manpower,

“For the young people here today, I want you to know that the future of the aerospace industry will continue to be strong in Singapore … We are going to invest in our aerospace and aviation industry, and this is an exciting industry with new developments, new technologies, new processes, and many new prospects for young people,” he said.

Working with NTUC

Mr Tan said NTUC is committed to supporting businesses so that workers can get better wages, welfare, and work prospects.

He encouraged SAESL to form a Company Training Committee (CTC) with the Singapore Industrial & Services Employees’ Union (SISEU) to ensure workers continue to grow with the company.

CTCs enable companies to partner with NTUC and its affiliated unions to transform businesses and enhance their workforce capabilities.

SAESL is a unionised company under SISEU.