Having spent almost 20 years with Senoko Energy, Abdul Jamil Muhammad (above) always felt like he could have done more to contribute to the company. However, having only an N Level certificate, he did not have the skills to do so.
Although he has gained valuable experience through learning opportunities and on-the-job training with his company, the senior technician realised he needed to get better qualifications – and had been trying passionately.
He tried to apply for courses related to his line of work at polytechnics and the Institute of Education (ITE), but was repeatedly turned down because he lacked an O Level certification.
“It’s not like I didn’t try, I tried many times,” said the 47-year-old, who first joined Senoko Energy as a technician.
Abdul Jamil saw his wish come true when he became one of the 10 recipients of the first SkillsFuture Study Awards for Power Sector given out by the Energy Market Authority on 25 October 2017. The awards support a range of courses at the ITE, polytechnics and universities.
He is now pursuing a mechanical engineering course at the ITE.
Pillars of Support
Abdul Jamil has been a Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE) member since he joined Senoko Energy. Through the advice and support from human resources colleagues and UPAGE, he plucked up the courage to pursue his lifelong learning ambitions and has plans to continue to improve himself.
“I am not intending to stop here and hope that I can go on to take up a diploma course at the Polytechnic. This will widen my knowledge and enable me to contribute more effectively at work,” he said.
UPAGE General Secretary Abdul Samad Abdul Wahab (above, right), who saw Abdul Jamil receive the award, said: “Our workforce must be equipped with the current skillsets to keep the lights on and gas flowing. We are pleased that the Government is taking a proactive approach to support Singaporeans in deepening their skills. We strongly encourage our union members to apply for this award to further develop their potential.”
Meeting Challenges
The awards were presented by Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS) for Education and Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling on 25 October 2017 at the Singapore International Energy Week 2017 event at Marina Bay Sands.
Noting that the energy landscape is rapidly changing quickly, SPS Low said to take on the new challenges, Singapore needs a capable and highly skilled workforce to build a smarter and more sustainable energy system while maintaining security and reliability.
She also thanked all stakeholders for building the capabilities of the workforce in the power sector, including the employers and UPAGE.
About the Award
Launched in July last year, the SkillsFuture Study Award aims to support early to mid-career Singaporeans in the industry who want to deepen their skills in power engineering. Each recipient received a bond-free award of $5,000 to take care of training expenses for engineering courses related to the power sector.
Interested applicants can find out if they are eligible for the award and apply online here.
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