ST Aerospace partners to fill depleting talent pool

Posted by- Neelam Mathews

Sept 21, 2011

Indian companies may do well to learn from ST Aerospace’s MoU signed with SIM University  to co-operate in the education and development of manpower for Singapore’s aerospace industry.  

The MoU, effective for 10 years, is an extension of an existing collaboration between ST Aerospace and UniSIM first established in March 2008.

Under the MoU, ST Aerospace will play an advisory role to contribute industry expertise to the aerospace degree programmes offered by UniSIM.  ST Aerospace will also offer students enrolled in these programmes opportunities to gain familiarisation and practical experience at its facility.  

Under the scope of collaboration, ST Aerospace and UniSIM will also work together in the areas of scholarships, research and knowledge-sharing.  In addition, both parties will undertake associate teaching activities at each other’s facilities.

“This renewal of partnership with ST Aerospace for a significant period of 10 years demonstrates the confidence that the industry has in UniSIM’s aerospace programmes.  We will continue to work closely with ST Aerospace to ensure that our programs are directly relevant to the aviation industry.  UniSIM looks forward to playing a part in helping to nurture a core pool of leadership talent and increasing the competencies of Singapore’s aviation workforce,” said Professor Cheong Hee Kiat, President, UniSIM.

"We are looking forward to sharing our industry experience and know-how with UniSIM to support the career development of aviation professionals in Singapore.  ST Aerospace believes in the continuous training and development of our people, and this collaboration with UniSIM serves as an added platform for our people to expand their knowledge and advance their professional qualification, " says Chang Cheow Teck, President, ST Aerospace.

As one of the world’s leading aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies, ST Aerospace is a strong proponent in the training and development of aerospace professionals.  

Apart from collaborating with educational institutions, ST Aerospace has its own training initiatives including an internal training and certification programme and a dedicated technical training centre in Singapore.  To support operational needs, the centre has trained about 1,400 technicians in mechanical and avionics trades and 370 licensed aircraft engineers over the years.

In 2010, Singapore’s aerospace industry achieved an output of $7.2b and employed over 18,000 professionals and skilled workers.  The setting up of Seletar Aerospace Park by 2018 is expected to contribute $3.3b annually in value-add and create 10,000 new aerospace-related jobs.

UniSIM’s three aerospace degree programmes, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Systems, the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance and Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration, two of which are offered in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, aim to meet the burgeoning aerospace needs of Singapore and the region by developing and enhancing the manpower capabilities of the aerospace workforce.