These trainees can now, with the skills acquired, perform their jobs as prime mover drivers more safely and effectively. Developed through a collaboration between the Singapore Workforce Development
Agency (WDA), PSA Corporation Ltd (PSA) and Jurong Port Pte Ltd (Jurong Port), the new Framework provides a structured pathway for port employees to upgrade themselves and to specialise in selected areas of port operations through courses leading to nationally-recognised certification.
The launch of the Port Services WSQ Framework was sealed today through a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Mr Wong Hong Kuan, Chief Executive, WDA, Mr Oh Bee Lock, Chief Operating Officer, PSA Singapore Terminals, Mr Liew Chin Beng, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications, Jurong Port, Mr Gilbert Tan, Deputy CEO, Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Mr Ameer Hamzah Abdul Nasir,
General Secretary, Singapore Port Workers Union. NTUC Secretary General Mr Lim Swee Say, Mr Tan Puay Hin, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International, Jurong Port CEO Mr Matthew Chan, e2i
Chairman Mr Ong Ye Kung and Mr Ong Chin Ang, Executive Secretary, Singapore Port Workers Union witnessed the signing of the MOU. The Port Services WSQ Framework will kick off with specialisation tracks for lashing specialists and mobile equipment operators such as prime mover drivers. This will
subsequently be extended to other job functions such as crane operations and operations supervisors. With the implementation of the Framework, port employees equipped with these
nationally-benchmarked skill sets can look forward to better career progression and long-term employability, while the port industry benefits from a more motivated, productive and competitive workforce. This new Framework is timely as it will prepare a pipeline of skilled employees for
the Port of Singapore, in tandem with the development of future container terminals. “Singapore plays a crucial role in port services given its position as the best seaport in Asia. The industry itself is a challenging work environment with staff having to deal with highly technical equipment. Hence it is important that they are best equipped with the necessary skills to deliver their roles more effectively. The Singapore Workforce Development Agency is pleased to be working with major
industry players to ensure that the workforce has a more structured training system in place. Such a system will be useful for the existing workforce and new entrants. We hope companies will tap on this opportunity and ensure their employees are well skilled in their roles”, said Ms Julia Ng, Director, Manufacturing and Construction Division, WDA. Mr Tan Puay Hin, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International said, “A welltrained and motivated workforce is essential for Singapore to maintain its status as a premier global hub port. By bringing industry stakeholders together to address strategic issues such as continuous capability improvements and human resource
development, the Port Services WSQ Framework is a powerful resource to enhance the competitiveness of our port employees.” “The launch of the Port Services WSQ is a major step forward for the port industry as it provides a clear framework within which our people can develop and hone their skills. It will also serve as a foundation for the development of new competencies that are required by changing technologies and business needs,” said Mr Matthew Chan, Chief Executive Officer, Jurong Port Pte Ltd. ‘The industry has been finding it a great challenge to attract people, because the jobs are perceived by Singaporeans as hard, unskilled labour with limited prospects. But we are changing that. Every job can be made more attractive, by raising the skills level and enhancing the career prospects. With WSQ training framework, there is now a nationally accredited structured training programme to develop key competencies in port operations. The different levels of certification allow greater career advancement and also open up new opportunities for people to move into the industry” said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Chairman, e2i.