Unionised energy companies roll out skills framework

Seven unionised companies committed to roll out Workforce Skills Qualifications framework for workers in the energy utilities industry.

The seven unionised companies, who are major players in the industry – Singapore Power Group, City Gas, Senoko Energy, PowerSeraya, Tuas Power, Sembcorp Industries and Keppel Merlimau Cogen – gave their unanimous support for the framework that will enhance the productivity and performance of the energy utilities workforce.
This is aimed at providing structured training, building new capabilities, creating new learning opportunities and structured progression pathways.

Some 8000 professionals and technicians in the energy utilities industry are set to benefit from the new framework.

The joint endeavour was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Union of Power and Gas Employees, in partnership with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency, Energy Market Authority and Employment and Employability Institute.

Elaborating on the impetus behind Union of Power and Gas Employees or UPAGE’s mooting and driving the idea of a WSQ for energy utilities workers, UPAGE General Secretary Mr Nachiappan Sinniah said, “UPAGE found that the WSQ framework developed by WDA and the industry, which is competency-based and takes into account prior learning experience rather than requirements that are based on theoretical learning concepts and pre-educational training qualification barriers, would be the most suitable training pathway for our members, many of whom do not have formal academic qualifications but have a wealth of work experience. We thank our management partners for giving their wholehearted backing to this initiative.”

“With their active participation, I am confident that we can introduce industry relevant skill standards and training courses that will bring immense benefit to both workers and employers in their industry,” said Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief Executive of WDA.

Also giving the move the thumbs-up was the industry regulator. Mr Lawrence Wong, Chief Executive, Energy Market Authority said, “The Energy Utilities WSQ will help deepen the skills base and enhance the productivity of workers in the energy utilities industry. With growing electricity demand and new power plants coming on stream in the next few years, we will need more skilled workers in the industry. This WSQ is therefore a timely initiative, both to upgrade the skills of existing workers, and to attract new workers for the future.”