With terms such as “Sustainability”, “Environmentalism” and “Clean Technology” fast gaining prominence in conversations about the future economy, Young NTUC organised the inaugural Green Jobs Symposium on 16 April 2016 to raise the awareness of the viability of green jobs as a career option.
“A green job can be any job in any sector. What’s important is that the job brings down its environmental impact to a level that is sustainable—that’s what makes a job green,” said Lurraine Villacorta, environment and decent work specialist (green jobs) at the International Labour Organization (Regional Office for Asia & Pacific), one of the panel speakers at the event.
The event saw attendees—made up of tertiary students, young workers and individuals exploring career switches—participating actively in three panel discussions that further defi ned green jobs and showed how one could make a step into the sector.
“This is just the start. After this session, we’ll visit specific sub-sectors and (conduct) learning journeys to companies for a touch and feel about what this is all about.
“It is as varied and exciting as you make it out to be. My wish is to be able to report that from this initial group of people here today that we can get them started on getting a green job,” highlighted Desmond Choo, director of NTUC's Youth Development Unit.
The symposium also offered opportunities for participants to network with agencies and associations in the green industry and seek out career opportunities with employers such as the Public Utilities Board, Hyflux, REC Solar and National Environment Agency.
SCENE OF A NEW DAWN
Guest-of-Honour Senior Minister of State for Environment and Water Resources Dr Amy Khor underscored the growth possibilities of the green sector in Singapore.
“It was estimated in a study by EDB (Singapore Economic Development Board) that Singapore’s green economy contributed 6.2 billion dollars to our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and created 60,000 jobs in 2011. Moving forward, we are well positioned to take advantage of green growth as we continue to develop Singapore.
“It’s really about turning challenges (Singapore’s limited natural resources) into opportunities. Such a green growth approach allows us to take advantage of these opportunities for industry development and jobs creation, while at the same time addressing environmental challenges,” she said.
Dr Khor also highlighted the water and solar energy sectors as key areas with capacity for growth, which young workers could consider exploring.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Co-developed by NTUC and U Associate, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore, the Sustainable Energy Development Programme has been designed as an appetiser for professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) keen on knowing more about the sustainable energy industry.
Scheduled to commence in July this year, the six-day over six-months programme will comprise fi ve modules that explore the various aspects of sustainable energy. The programme will culminate in an experiential learning journey that will let participants witness energy efficient or renewable energy solutions in action.
For more information, visit www.ntuc.org.sg/uassociate/ or email uassociate@ntuc.org.sg.
