PMET training scheme set in motion for Singapore's infrastructure sector

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and Workforce Singapore (WSG) have launched a new programme to match and train mid-career professionals with companies in the infrastructure sector.

Called the professional conversion programme (PCP) for Global Ready Infrastructure Talent (GRIT), it is tailored to develop PMETs in areas such as infrastructure project financing, project transactional advisory and project engineering for global infrastructure projects.

It was announced by S Iswaran [pictured], Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) at the seventh run of IE Singapore’s Asia-Singapore Infrastructure Roundtable.

Minister Iswaran pointed out that Asia is projected to require US$1.7 trillion of infrastructure investments annually from 2016 to 2030, which is more than double the level in 2009. "This presents unparalleled opportunities for companies of all sizes," he affirmed before announcing the plan proper.

Initiatives to build infrastructure talent under PCP for GRIT

Lee Ark Boon, CEO of IE Singapore, said: "Through the PCP for GRIT, we will partner local enterprises to build local talents with specific, customised skill sets to help companies embark on infrastructure projects overseas." Details on this follow:

1. Based on IE Singapore’s 2016 Internationalisation Survey, the PCP will work with companies which are keen to recruit mid-career PMETs from other sectors, by training them in skills for global infrastructure projects.
2. Targeting people who have graduated for at least two years, the PCP included structured on-the-job training for up to 18 months and exposes participants to global projects.
3. It is applicable for companies across the infrastructure value chain, including banks, project financing firms, infrastructure companies and advisory firms.
4. WSG will subsidise up to 70% of the salary, capped at S$4,000, for newly-hired trainees.
5. There are currently 30 openings from 12 companies.

Chief executive of WSG, Tan Choon Shian, noted the GRIT is part of WSG’s efforts to help mid-career professionals transit into fast developing hiring industries. "WSG will continue to work with industry partners to develop industry specific PCPs, to enable companies in these industries to tap on additional sources of mid-career professionals to recruit and train."

Infographic and lead photo / IE Singapore