Up to 1,500 workers set to benefit from nationally-accredited A&T WSQ framework over the next two years
Singapore, 24 January 2013 – The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) today unveiled the latest nationally-accredited Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) skills upgrading pathway for the Assembly & Test (A&T) sector, known as the A&T WSQ framework.
The A&T WSQ framework has been developed in partnership with the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries (UWEEI) and several A&T multinational corporations (MNCs) that have business operations in Singapore. It allows these A&T companies to upgrade the competencies of their employees – comprising Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs) and Rank-and-File workers (RnFs) – via three WSQ qualification levels:
The WSQ Diploma in A&T is targeted at PMETs who function at professional occupational levels, such as Product Test Engineers, Process Engineers and Material Planners. Under this programme, trainees will acquire competencies and knowledge in soft skills such as managing shop floor processes, overseeing technical projects and solving executive-level problems.
The WSQ Advanced Certificate in A&T is targeted at personnel who function at technical or supervisory occupational levels, such as Technical Specialists, Engineering Assistants and Engineering Specialists. Under this programme, trainees will acquire competencies and knowledge in hard skills such as performing shop floor tasks, and soft skills such as writing technical reports.
The WSQ Certificate in A&T is targeted at RnFs who function at operational occupational levels, such as Associate Technicians, Manufacturing Specialists and Engineering Operators. Under this programme, trainees will acquire competencies and knowledge in hard skills such as operating shop floor equipment.
WDA will provide course fee and absentee payroll funding to A&T companies that upgrade the skills of their workers using the new A&T WSQ training framework. By end-2014, 1,500 workers are expected to be trained under the A&T WSQ framework, of which 200 would obtain full WSQ qualifications.
A&T MNCs such as ASE Singapore Pte. Ltd., Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd., STATS ChipPAC Singapore and United Test and Assembly Center Ltd are planning to train 810 engineers under the WSQ Diploma in A&T, of which 100 will obtain full WSQ qualifications, by end-2013.
Mr Wong Hong Kuan, Chief Executive of WDA, said: “WDA is pleased to launch the A&T WSQ framework in partnership with NTUC and A&T MNCs to raise the overall capabilities of the industry and its workforce. The new framework will enhance Singapore’s reputation as a high-quality provider of A&T services, which will help to attract foreign investments that accelerate the industry’s growth. It will also improve the capabilities of A&T companies to facilitate their business expansion, and allow A&T workers to obtain nationally-recognised WSQ qualifications to stay relevant amid ever-changing workplace needs.”
The A&T sector is part of the wider semiconductor industry. In 2011, Singapore’s semiconductor industry employed more than 42,000 workers, including more than 18,000 in A&T. In addition, in 2011 the semiconductor industry contributed 4 per cent of Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product, and its value-added per worker of $240,000 ranks it among the highest within the manufacturing sector. Today, Singapore has over 20 A&T companies, including three of the world’s top six outsourced A&T manufacturers and many leading Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs).
NTUC Deputy Secretary-General, Executive Secretary of UWEEI and Chairman of the A&T Industry Skills and Training Council (ISTC), Mr Heng Chee How, said: “The electronics industry is under constant pressure from rapid technological change and price competition. To ensure a good future for the industry and its workers, accredited skills and standards upgrading are a must for all levels of employees. This is to enable the workforce to support and reap the benefits of the industry’s dynamic transformation and not be left behind or cast aside. We will then also be in a better position to strengthen the Singapore Core. Hence, we are happy to have developed this framework for the A&T area in partnership with WDA and the major A&T companies.”
The launch of the A&T WSQ framework is in line with WDA’s mission to roll out skills upgrading initiatives to ensure that Singapore’s workforce remain relevant to ever-changing workplace needs. Since 2005, WDA has rolled out 33 nationally-accredited WSQ frameworks in partnership with various organisations such as industry associations, trade unions, employers and training organisations.
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