10-year plan put forward to revitalise plumbing sector in Singapore, Singapore News & Top Stories

SINGAPORE – Plumbers may soon hone their skills for better job opportunities in Singapore.

A 10-year Operations and Technology Roadmap was created to prepare plumbing companies for the New Economy – including adopting new technologies and training their skilled workers.

On Wednesday (March 24), the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) Department for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises – called U SME – signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Plumbing Society (SPS) and seven SMEs to transform the sector.

This is done against the backdrop of an aging workforce in the industry.

There are around 900 licensed plumbers in Singapore, more than three-quarters of whom are over 50, said SPS President Tan Wee Teck at the signing ceremony at the NTUC center on Marina Boulevard.

“If the trend continues, you may not have enough plumbers to actually service the population,” he said.

Mr. Tan acknowledged that it would not be easy to attract young people to trade.

“Traditionally, plumbing is not a career choice. People don’t choose to become plumbers. But we want to change that public perception,” said Mr. Tan, who has enlisted industry partners to help accelerate transformation.

SPS has worked with various organizations including NTUC, the national water agency PUB and the Employees Union of the Public Utilities Board to find solutions.

First of all, the sector would like to increase the workforce through structured career paths and training frameworks. This would allow a young licensed plumber to gain additional qualifications, such as an engineering degree or degree, and pursue new career opportunities.

Creating a clear career roadmap will not only help attract and retain new and younger Singaporean workers, it will also allow the sector to stay relevant, said Mr Tan, who has seen increased demand for plumbing services over the years .

“Not everyone has to go this route, but at least they have a choice,” he said.

A new licensed plumber can currently make at least $ 4,000 per month, while an experienced plumber can make up to $ 6,000. Regulated water supply and sanitary work may only be carried out by installers approved by the PUB.

Currently, the sector is facing other pressing challenges, such as a lack of transparency in the pricing of plumbing services and different labor standards due to the presence of unlicensed plumbers.

Through the roadmap, SPS hopes to encourage the adoption of technology in businesses. It is also intended to be an accredited plumbing and plumbing training facility, as well as a best practice agency.

NTUC General Secretary Ng Chee Meng (right) speaks with partners as the MOU is signed. PHOTO: NTUC

NTUC Secretary General Ng Chee Meng said the roadmap would help develop sustainable workers who will be able to use new technology to do their jobs even better and keep businesses viable in the new economy.

The NTUC focuses on being a connector to the roadmap and engaging the relevant parties to help professionalise the sector. There are currently no plans to organize plumbers as gig workers.

Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, director of NTUC U SME, said the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted installation as an essential service that requires a strong core in Singapore. She added that the roadmap will allow SMEs to rethink their day-to-day operations and explore ways they can make themselves more attractive to job seekers.

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