Solar Technologist: Mapping a Sustainable Career in Sustainable Energy

Beyond preparing and matching Singaporeans to job vacancies, NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) and Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) have unveiled the first industry Career Development Plan (CDP) for Solar Technologists.

The plan was revealed on 17 December 2020 at the Singapore Sustainability Academy, during the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between NTUC’s e2i, SEAS, solar companies, and training providers to affirm their commitment to jobs and skills training under the CDP.

NTUC Secretary-General Mr Ng Chee Meng was there to witness the signing.

With Singapore aiming to achieve almost five times the current solar usage by 2030, this is set to create new job opportunities for Singaporeans in the sector.

In a joint release by e2i and SEAS, they said up to 400 vacancies will be made available in the newly created Solar Technologist role.

e2i Chief Executive Officer Gilbert Tan said: “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.”

During his speech, Mr Ng said that he was delighted after going through the details of the CDP, noting that this was an important career development programme that was helping lay the foundation for both employers and workers.

“Parts of our economy will remain challenged in 2021, particularly sectors like the aviation and aerospace,” he said.

“There may well be possibilities for us to look at moving workers on secondment or permanent basis to sectors such as this.”

Mr Ng also encouraged the CEOs of e2i and SEAS to take the CDP one step further, by putting this plan into a Progressive Wage Model (PWM), over the next 12 to 18 months.

“The Progressive Wage Model is not specifically targeted at low-wage workers,” he explained.

“It is a method for us to be able grow skills, so that with each level of planning, Singaporean workers who are well educated can be enabled in their career pathways and be upskilled in a more institutional and structural way.”

About the CDP for Solar Technologist

According to e2i and SEAS, the development plan will outline a clear career pathway with well-defined progression in skills, job role, and wages.

Under the CDP, the solar technologist role has been redesigned to embrace more in-depth and wholistic understanding of solar photovoltaic systems.

While traditionally the job of solar panel installation is done by construction workers, there are industry calls for talents to see through the project in its entire lifecycle – from installation to commissioning, utilisation and 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.

Solar Technologist Career Development Plan, courtesy of e2i and SEAS