By Geraldine Peters
Thirty-six-year-old Mr Iswandie Bin Wanhar, Senior Technical Instructor at ST Aerospace, always knew he wanted to be in the Aviation Industry.
Forging a Path
Inspired by his father who worked at PSA, he developed his love for electrical work at a young age and set his sight on entering the Aviation industry after completing his ‘O’ Levels.
“It was a booming industry and it was something that I wanted to be part of,” he said.
Immediately after leaving National Service, he researched on the organisations that help staff upgrade themselves and found that ST Aerospace, a company largely dealing with aircraft maintenance, fit his criteria. He joined them as a Trainee Technician in 2000 and enrolled in the National Institute of Technical Education Certificate (NITEC) Apprenticeship Programme conducted in-house by its Technical Training Centre to prepare for the role.
Thrilled at entering his field of choice, Mr Iswandie aspired to work at getting himself an executive role in the company.
Soaring To New Heights
Upon completion of the 18-month programme, Mr Iswandie immediately began his part-time Diploma course in Mechatronic Engineering in 2002.
Impressed with his drive and motivation to upgrade himself, his management enrolled him in the Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Programme (CAMP) that year. It is a four year course that only accepts around 20 applicants annually.
“The management has been very supportive of all that I want to do and so, with every opportunity that comes my way, I take it and do my best,” he said.
Upon his completion of CAMP in 2011, he finally achieved what he had set out to do from his first day at ST Aerospace - clinching the executive post of Licensed Aircraft Engineer.
Coming Full Circle
Wanting to pass down his knowledge and give back, he moved on to become a Technical Instructor and subsequently, Senior Technical Instructor last year. He now teaches around 25 students at ST Aerospace’s Technical Training Centre, where he had first began his journey.
Having been a member of Singapore Industrial Service Employees’ Union (SISEU) for a decade, Mr Iswandie also acknowledged that the union played a vital role in ensuring that staff is happy within the organisation.
His determination to upgrade has not gone unnoticed as he is now a May Day Model Partnership Award 2015 nominee.
Feeling humbled by the recognition, Mr Iswandie sees it as a signal to press on. He is now doing a double degree programme funded by ST Aerospace, Bachelor of Science in Aviation and Business Administration.
Expecting an SG50 baby this year with his wife, Mr Iswandie is excited to apply his work ethic to all areas of his life.
“The only constant is change and that is an ideal I embrace,” he said.
Source: NTUC This Week
Read also:
- Main Driver For Excellence: Bus Captain's Love For Job
