10-year plan to attract, prepare and retain plumbers for the future, Latest Singapore News

Plumbers can soon hone their skills for better job opportunities in Singapore.

A 10-year Operations and Technology Roadmap has been created to prepare plumbing companies for the New Economy, including introducing new technology and training their professionals.

Yesterday, U SME – the Small and Medium Business Division of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) – signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Plumbing Society (SPS) and seven small and medium-sized enterprises to transform the sector.

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

There are roughly 900 licensed plumbers here, 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 serve the population,” he said.

He admitted that attracting young people to trade would not be easy. “Plumbing is traditionally not a career choice.

“People don’t choose to become plumbers. But we want to change that perception,” said Mr. Tan, who has enlisted industry partners to help accelerate the transformation.

SPS has researched solutions with organizations such as NTUC, the national water agency PUB and the Employees’ Union of the Public Utilities Board.

First, 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.

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

A new licensed plumber can currently make at least $ 4,000 per month, while an experienced plumber can make up to $ 6,000.

Through the roadmap, SPS hopes to encourage the adoption of technology in plumbing companies.

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

This article first appeared in The Straits Times.

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