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Johnson Controls partners ITE to develop talent in building technology and services

Johnson Controls and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to nurture the next generation of skilled technicians and hands-on engineers in the building technology and services industry.

According to a media release, the agreement was inked by Low Khah Gek, chief executive officer, ITE; and Ken Lim, general manager, building technologies and solutions Singapore, Johnson Controls, at ITE College East.

In line with this MoU, students enrolled in Higher Nitec in Facility Management, Nitec in Facility Technology, and the new Work-Learn Technical Diploma in Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Services Supervision will have access to a fully-functioning chiller plant system designed for a classroom setting.

The facility - ITE-Johnson Controls Building Technologies and Solutions Centre - features top-grade technical equipment programmed and installed by Johnson Controls to simulate a real-world chiller plant room, including water-cooled YORK® chiller, smart building management system powered by Metasys®, smart connected chiller application, and physical security and video management solution.

By giving students access to live systems to experiment and operate in real-time, the ITE-Johnson Controls Building Technologies and Solutions Centre allows students to apply their knowledge to real-life smart building management systems. Previously, students could only attend observation lessons outside of the classroom.

Johnson Controls' Lim said: "We're entering into a new era of facilities management with the Internet of Things, advanced analytics as well as increasing need for sustainability and security. As more technology-enabled applications impact our daily lives, a smart city is no longer just an abstract concept. In fact, we’re gradually transitioning into what can be described as a responsive city, where we are no longer just passive beneficiaries but also active players and contributors. To ensure citizens are ready and able to ride the waves of change, technology companies will have to assume a bigger role in empowering the workforce."

The MoU also signifies Johnson Controls' continued support to ITE and their students via sponsored book prizes and internship opportunities – a collaboration between both parties since 2014. Johnson Controls and ITE will award book prizes to students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated exemplary conduct, as well as internship opportunities at Johnson Controls offices and facilities around the country.

ITE's Low added: "The partnership between industry and education institutions makes a big difference in the teaching and learning of work-relevant skills."

Photo / Provided

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