Aerospace sector flies high

Hiring intent has skyrocketed in the local aerospace industry, as the sector’s growth has doubled in size over the last 10 years.

The sector consists of nearly 20,000 jobs – most of which are high-skilled positions in aerospace manufacturing, repair and overhaul, testing, training, and R&D, Channel News Asia reported.

An estimated 6,300 more jobs are expected to be added to the industry by 2015, and professions within the field can look forward to more training opportunities to upgrade their skills.

The Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore) signed Memorandums of Understanding with BSI Group Singapore, VTOC "fokker" BV and TUM Asia to develop training programmes.

Local educational institutions including polytechnics, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Institute of Technology, will also be offering specialised aerospace courses to keep up with the demand for engineers and associate engineers.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan, said productivity and innovation “must continue to be key drivers of our growth”.

"To help firms overcome manpower challenges, the newly-introduced Budget 2013 contains a number of programmes such as the Wage Credit Scheme, PIC and PIC Bonus, enhanced PACT and Corporate Income Tax rebate, to help our companies transit to a productivity-driven business model," Lee said.