To prepare workers in the vibrant OPEC industries for a future shaped by digitalisation and technology, the Labour Movement, supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), launched the first OPEC Month during the ‘Future of Energy & Chemicals Seminar 2017’ on 30 June 2017 at Singapore Polytechnic.
Some 1,000 Singaporeans are expected to benefit from the month-long engagement, which includes seminars, masterclasses, workshops and training programmes organised by NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute). A career fair offering some 100 positions from 14 participating companies will also be held on 14 July 2017 at e2i west.
For the full list of programmes, visit e2i.com.sg/OPECMonth.
Enabling Workers
“NTUC’s OPEC Cluster has been working closely with our tripartite partners to create better jobs and good career progression for all Singaporeans.
“With rapid changes in the business environment and the demographics of people, there is a need for the industry to work together with various partners to build up business competencies and capabilities of the working people, as well as attract new talent to join the cluster.
“We are having the OPEC Month, starting today, to meet the need of developing new skillsets in the workforce,” said Chairman of NTUC’s OPEC Cluster and NTUC Vice-President K Karthikeyan.
The event also saw guest-of-honour Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Low Yen Ling underscore the importance of unions as crucial partners in the industry transformation efforts. She detailed the skills framework that was being developed by EDB, SSG and Workforce Singapore.
She said the framework will enable people working in the sector, or who may be planning to join the industry, make informed learning, training and career choices with up-to-date information on the respective OPEC industries and manpower landscape.
Support for PMETs
Miss Low also announced that more than 130 companies from the Chemical Industries Employees’ Union and United Workers of Petroleum Industry have been granted in-principle approval by e2i to be part of the OPEC cluster’s Energy and Chemical Manufacturing Professional Conversion Programmes (PCP). The PCPs are targeted at helping professionals, managers, executives and technicians making mid-career switches acquire the necessary skillsets and competencies to enter industries under the OPEC cluster.
“e2i has been working very closely on the ground with the OPEC partners and training providers to identify skills and knowledge gaps in the changing landscape of OPEC industries, especially with the proliferation of digital technologies where processes and systems are becoming more intelligent and seamless. As an enabler, we aim to equip industry practitioners with competencies and future skills to help them chart their career pathways, and address the needs of the cluster as it transforms,” said e2i CEO Gilbert Tan.
Good To Know
NTUC’s OPEC Cluster consists of seven unions:
