With the impact of COVID-19 to the air transport industry expected to last for some time, aerospace companies in Singapore have been exploring ways to retain core capabilities, upskill their workforce, and reposition for the eventual recovery and upturn.

To help members learn more about initiatives made available to help companies in the aerospace sector upskill their workers, AAIS organised a closed-door Industry Dialogue with government agencies and union representatives on 9 September 2020.

The session kicked off with opening remarks by Mr Lim Tse Yong, Vice-President, Capital Goods, Economic Development Board (EDB), followed by an Overview of manpower support initiatives by Ms Glenda Tan, Asst Vice-President, Capital Goods EDB. Mr Joseph Yap, Manager, Industry Development Division then brought participants through the New Enhanced Training Support Package for Aerospace and other initiatives by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). Mr Nelson Goh, Manager at the Manufacturing Division, then covered initiatives by Workforce Singapore (WSG) including the Aerospace Professional Conversion Programme.

Noting that companies were having to make tough decisions during this period of crisis, Mr Raven Lee, Senior Industrial Relations Officer at the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) spoke on Best practices for managing excess manpower and responsible retrenchment. Ms Karen Tan, Senior Employability Coach, at Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) then covered Outplacement support available.

Participants then engaged in a panel discussion with Mr Lim Tse Yong, VP, EDB, Ms Chelvin Loh, Director, SSG, Mr Anderson Ee, Acting Director, WSG, Ms Sylvia Choo, Director, NTUC and Mr Gary Goh, Dy CEO, e2i. We thank all the government and union representatives for their time and sharing.