New programmes for IP and energy/chemicals staff in Singapore

Graduates, new professionals and mid-careerists in Singapore now have a new platform to future-proof their skills - a new graduate programme in intellectual property (IP) and innovation management, leading to a masters.

Launched at IP Week @ SG 2016, the skill-based and practice-focused programme aims to grow a pool of industry-ready IP professionals, and is jointly developed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and SIM University. Enrolment for the graduate course will commence in July 2017.

Singapore’s demand for IP knowledge is anticipated to increase by 500 over the next five years, in key innovation-based industries such as robotics, healthcare, ICT, and urban sustainability solutions.

IPOS and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) will launch an IP Professional Conversion Programme (IP PCP) in early 2017, aimed at equipping mid-career professionals with skills and knowledge in the areas of IP law, business and technology.

Successful individuals placed on the IP PCP will be trained in job roles such as patent agents, IP managers and IP technology consultants.

SkillsFuture earn and learn programme for energy and chemicals

Another addition to Singapore L&D landscape is the SkillsFuture earn and learn programme for energy and chemicals sector for the first batch of 26 trainees.

The programme was announced by Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills), Ong Ye Kung at a visit to the manufacturing plant of Shell Eastern Petroleum, which is one of the eight energy and chemicals companies on board the programme.

The programme is is jointly led by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and WDA, and aims to meet the strong demand in the sector for process technicians who play a key role in the plant operations.

Participants will undergo a unique blend of in-campus skills training at SP and structured on-the-job training and mentorship with their employers at the workplace over 18 months

Stephen Fowler, GM of Shell Jurong Island said: "The SkillsFuture earn and learn programme has provided us with a good crop of 14 trainees, 11 of whom are females, for Pulau Bukom Manufacturing Site and Shell Jurong Island."

Photo / 123RF