Jobseekers looking to embark on a career agriculture and high-tech farming can now approach NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) to get a leg up in the sector with the launch of the learning centre’s latest training space – the Agritech Lab @ Benoi.
The lab was conceived to address the issues of employability within the sector as well as to strengthen Singapore’s food resilience. Its opening was officiated by NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng on 16 September 2021.
In collaboration with Netatech, NTUC LHUB has designed the SGUnited Skills (SGUS) Digital Agritech Operations Manager programme, which will equip trainees with in-demand skills and knowledge to allow them to venture into the agriculture technology space.
Mr Ng believes that NTUC is well-poised to train and prepare workers with relevant and job-ready skills for sunrise industries such as agritech, and that the congress’s strength lies in its experience and expertise in training; its strong tripartite relations; and through its affiliated unions – a deep understanding of skills-gaps and training requirements.
He said: “We have in place an ecosystem of support with a wealth of resources through our Labour Movement network to help workers and businesses transform. This includes addressing training needs through NTUC LearningHub to job placement and funding with NTUC’s e2i, as well as the Union Training Assistance Programme [UTAP] support for NTUC union members to upgrade and learn new skills.”
At over 3,200 sq ft, NTUC LHUB says that the Agritech Lab @ Benoi has the latest in high-tech farming solutions.
Trainees will stand to gain hands-on experience by training in high-tech green houses for commercial farming, as well as discover the use of micro-drip technology and state-of-the-art fertigation.
The programme will also equip trainees with skills such as Internet of Things, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence to optimise yield production, and profitability in urban farming.
To date, a total of 119 trainees have enrolled in the pioneer cohort of the programme.
NTUC LHUB will also provide additional support for trainees through job placements – connecting them to employers and specialist recruitment consultants, as well as employment opportunities through its Career Agility Hub portal.
NTUC LearningHub Chairman Eugene Wong said that training provider is constantly scanning the horizons to identify emerging trends and facilitating in-demand skills training in both existing and growing industries.
He said: “Partnering with the best-in-class experts, such as Netatech, we aim to train our local workforce to be well-equipped to pivot into agritech.
“Beyond theory-based lessons, our new Agritech Lab @ Benoi will allow trainees to work on real-life projects and be fully immersed in the world of high-tech farming. At the same time, we are working closely with employers to assist our trainees with job placements in the industry.”
Interested individuals may explore and register for NTUC LHUB’s full suite of SGUS programme offerings here.
