October/ November 2012 ilink A NEWSLETTER OF THE ITE INDUSTRY-BASED TRAINING DIVISION Highlights: Worldskills Singapore 2012 Consistency through developing competency A TRIBUTE TO OUR WORLDSKILLS SINGAPORE 2012 SPONSORS Since 1994, Worldskills Singapore has provided students and trainees under 22 an opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills in respective areas. Winners could represent Singapore at the Worldskills International Competition. The 10th series of the 3-day Worldskills Singapore was successfully concluded on 7 July 2012. The event was made possible with the generous contribution of our sponsors (listed below in alphabetical order). For providing the means for youths to accomplish their dreams and A resounding success for aspirations in technical excellence, Thank You! the competition Principal Sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Co-Sponsors: Supporters: Inside this issue: A Note from our Divisional Director Relocation of ITE Headquarters Interview with Lee Kuan Yew Model Trainee from ST Kinetics Highlights of Worldskills Singapore 2012 Developing Competency Across Borders Essentials of Dynamic Coaching Workshop 2 2 3 4 6 7 AsiaPac Distribution Pte Autodesk Asia Pte Cisco Systems (USA) Pte.. EIG Dermal Wellness (S) Pte Festo Pte.. Festo Pte.. Fluke South East Asia Pte Heidenhain Pacific Pte Isetan Foundation Keppel Offshore & Marine Lee Foundation Marina Bay Sands Pte Microsoft Singapore NCS Pte.. Pesko Engineering Pte Saatchi LAB Sandvik South East Asia Pte Sia Huat Pte Siemens Pte Singapore Health Services Pte The Siemon Company Singapore Pte Triangle Auto Pte ADOBE Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Cititrade International (S) Pte Homely Hardware Pte JP Nelson Equipment Pte Jurong Shipyard Pte Long Tech Engineering Pte NEWater Visitor Centre Pollyanna Enterprise Portrait International Pte.. PSA Corporation Limited Shu Uemura Singapore Technologies Aerospace Singapore Technologies Kinetics Symantec Singapore Pte UGL Services Premas Operations UMW Equipment & Engineering Pte Abacus Travel Systems Pte Carport Auto Service Equation Technology & Cabling Pte Fuji Xerox Singapore Pte Goldbell Engineering Pte Jurong Engineering Limited Lianhe Zaobao Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems (S) Pte Mers Automobile Services Pte National Association of Travel Agents Singapore Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ramky Cleantech Services Pte Rohde & Schwarz Asia Pte Scantruck Engineering Pte SMRT Corporation Starlite Printers (Far East) Pte Thermal Private Limited Weidmuller Pte Contact Us 8
Page 2 ilink A NOTE FROM OUR DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR Dear Industry Partner, Mr. James Ng, Divisional Director, Industrybased Training Division, ITE The first issue of Industry Link, more familiar to our readers as ilink, was started in December 2006 with the intention of keeping in touch with companies on our Industrybased Training schemes. The past 6 years have been fruitful as we forged and strengthened our partnerships. Through ilink, we shared the numerous successes companies on our schemes enjoy. Notwithstanding the regular contacts our Industry Officers make, ilink provides an avenue for us to update you on our progress and upcoming events. As an organisation that values continuous training and improvement, it is with great pleasure that we launch the 12th issue of ilink, with a new look. In addition to providing timely updates and information on our schemes, readers can expect articles sharing best practices and providing ideas on training related issues. Hopefully, readers are encouraged to take on a different perspective and approach to their training routines to further enhance training success. In this issue, we look at the aspect of developing competencies with training, both on an individual and organisational level. With that, I wish you a pleasant read as we move towards the close of 2012. Through ilink, we shared the numerous successes companies on our schemes enjoy. Mr. James Ng RELOCATION OF ITE HEADQUARTERS With the building completion of the new ITE Headquarters (ITE HQ) and College Central Campus in October 2012, plans are underway for our relocation to 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive (Exit at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 from the Central Expressway). ITE HQ will be in the midst of shifting to the new campus in the last quarter of 2012. Even as the large amount of planning and shifting takes place, we remain contactable. All Industry Officers are just an email or call away. Artist Impression of ITE HQ & College Central Location of the New ITE HQ at Ang Mo Kio
October/ November 2012 Page 3 INTERVIEW WITH LEE KUAN YEW AWARD MODEL TRAINEE Muhammad Shiddiq Bin Abdul Rashid, 24, is the recipient of the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew Model Trainee Award 2012. Shiddiq is currently pursuing his Nitec in Automotive Technology (Heavy Vehicle) under the Traineeship programme with Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK). He was commended by his Manager, Mr. Chua Teng Beng, and Trainer, Mr. Winston Foo, for his positive attitude and achieving good results during the programme. Shiddiq was selected by Mr Chua and Mr Foo to join the Traineeship programme in STK in 2011. In the first year of the programme, Shiddiq has exceeded expectations as he is a fast and conscientious learner. Shiddiq also showed that he is a natural leader by frequently motivating his fellow trainees to improve in their on-the-job training. ilink spoke with Shiddiq after the award ceremony on 17 July 2012. ilink: How do your feel after knowing that you have won the LKY Model Student/ Trainee Award? Shiddiq: I was surprised. It was only after a while that I realised the prestige of the award. I am very grateful that my trainers, Mr Chua and Mr Foo recognise my efforts. They are good role models for trainees and they constantly encourage us to be positive and have an open mind to the training provided. Before examinations, Mr Foo would even give additional revisions so that we can fully grasp the knowledge. ilink: You have achieved very good results in your first year of the programme. How do you think STK has contributed to your achievements and skills competency? Shiddiq: Mr Chua and Mr Foo definitely helped in the way they delivered the training. The theory and practical lessons are taught systematically. For example, when we are taught a particular component, the trainers will deliver the theory lesson in easy-tofollow order followed immediately by extensive hands-on practices. This organised approach helps trainees to master the necessary knowledge. We also become more confident in our job performance and are more aware of the safety risks arising due to poor working knowledge. For us to apply our knowledge, we were sent to support various commercial projects under STK. These projects certainly exposed me to real issues and developed my problemsolving skills. I am now even more aware of the value of my Traineeship programme in STK as it truly prepares me for my future career. ilink: What are your aspirations now after receiving the award? Shiddiq: Firstly, I aim to maintain my performance in the programme and graduate with a good GPA. Next, I hope to continue strengthening my work knowledge with STK as they have given me so much valuable training and on-the-job experience. Thereafter, I hope to be able to further my qualification as STK also provides further study opportunities to capable employees. Shiddiq receiving the award from Mr. Bruce Poh, CEO/ITE These commercial projects certainly exposed me to real issues and developed my problem-solving skills. Muhammad Shiddiq Bin Abdul Rashid Shiddiq and his fellow trainees under supervision of Mr Winston Foo. Traineeship is an earn-as-you-learn scheme. The scheme consists of two training components On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Offthe-Job Training (Off-JT). OJT is conducted by the company on its premises. Off-JT, however, could be provided by ITE, industry training centres or companies certified by ITE as Approved Training Centres. STK is an Approved Training Centre since 2009.
Page 4 ilink HIGHLIGHTS FROM WORLDSKILLS SINGAPORE 2012 The three-day competition was officially launched by Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Minister for The Competition however is more than Manpower, at the opening ceremony held at ITE College West on 5 July 2012. The national-level skills competition is held once about technical skills. every two years and is now in its 10th run. A total It is a test of each Aircraft Maintenance, which debuts in this run. A student s mettle, selfdiscipline and confidence, and their of nineteen skills areas are featured, including total of 162 finalists were selected from the VIPs receiving a warm welcome from the Worldskills Singapore 2012 mascots. qualifying rounds held earlier in May 2012. Here, we bring you some of the highlights from the competition. Enjoy! ability to project and communicate what they are doing. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister Contestants in Beauty Therapy who bring out the best side of everyone. The 19 Skill Areas in the Competition A sure sign of approval from the judges. A favourite with visitors to the Our Guest of Honour, DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam, with the VIPs at the opening ceremony. competition proudly sponsored by Nestlé Singapore (Pte), one of IBT Division s valued partners and supporter for the competition.
Page 5 Oct o b e r/ Novemb er 201 2 Participants from various skills areas concentrating on their tasks. top left: Aircraft From Maintenance, Automotive Technology and CNC Turning. From Electronics and bottom left: Mechanical Engineering Design (CAD). Besides a pleasant disposition, contestants from Caring skills area have to exhibit strong communication skills with patients and their family. Success lies in paying attention to small details. From left: Leaving no loose ends in Information Network Cabling. Impeccable positioning in Restaurant Service. In the skill area of Mobile Robotics: Building a recognises pattern. smart and machine matches which colour
Page 6 ilink DEVELOPING COMPETENCY ACROSS BORDERS Trainer observing Trainee on task Throughout the (gradual building-up training) process, corrective actions can be taken immediately once an area has been identified. Consistency in processes, in services, and in results - that is what companies strive for, especially when they are operating internationally at several locations. Often, the key to consistency lies in the competency of each employee as they are responsible for the quality of work they turn in. This is no different for Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M). Beyond just having a strong training framework to develop employees competent for demanding tasks, KOM has to be certain that its employees uphold the same quality and standards in both local and overseas operations. These are only possible with clear documentation set out in their training programme. Keppel Subic Shipyard, Inc (KSSI), a subsidiary under Keppel Philippines Marine, Incorporated (KPMI) in the Philippines, provides repair, conversion and building services to ship owners and offshore operators in the region. To ensure that work practices are standardised to Keppel O&M s, KSSI has established a training centre and has training programmes which are similar to those in Singapore. As an International Certified On-the -Job Training Centre (COJTC) with ITE since June 2010, KSSI effectively utilises the COJTC framework of recognising staff that have developed necessary competencies to achieve consistency in their operations. KSSI has a gradual building up approach to training their staff. Newcomers in KSSI are first sent to the training centre for Off-the-Job training. Thereafter, the trainees join the production departments at the yard where they continue to receive On-the-Job training. Throughout the process, corrective actions can be taken immediately once an area has been identified. Assessments are conducted during the training period to determine the competency of the trainees. Only trainees who have fulfilled assessment requirements become formal employees of the company. Gradual Build-up of Training Besides enjoying better remuneration for completing the training, the trainees have acquired the skills and knowledge for particular job tasks, thereby developing their own competency. More importantly, KSSI can be sure that its employees are able to perform tasks in a consistent manner as required by the parent company. Clockwise from top left: 1. An equipment at KSSI s training centre. 2. Trainees in classroom awaiting instruction. 3. Trainees observing a demonstration. 4. Trainees practising on given task. 5. Individual supervision by Trainer. 6. A competent trainee working independently.
October/ November 2012 Page 7 ESSENTIALS OF DYNAMIC COACHING - MAY & JULY 2012 WORKSHOPS To keep up with the changing profile of the workforce and the increasingly complex operating environment, the function of training has moved beyond its traditional role in equipping basic competency and improving productivity, to being an effective means to engage and develop its employees. At the two Structured On-the-Job Training (S-OJT) workshops held on 30 May 2012 and 19 July 2012, Mr Derrick Tan and Nr Noel Tay, Industry Officers from the ITE shared valuable insights into the dynamics of coaching. Mr Derrick Tan commented, A trainer in today s workplace is required to play multiple roles; a subject matter expert, coach and mentor. To be an effective trainer, it is important to understand the individual s differences in learning style and adopt a structured coaching process. The one-day workshop, Towards Dynamic Coaching, covered the fundamentals of coaching, and introduced the Five-Step Coaching technique (see diagram below). Participants were given the opportunity to practise what they learnt through interactive role play of real-life work scenarios. Mr Png Kim Soon, a workshop participant from Senoko Energy Pte, found the workshop insightful. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn tips from other participants from different sectors. With a better appreciation on the dynamics of coaching, I look forward to adapt the Five-Step Coaching technique back at work to ensure my trainee is able to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. " The Industry-based Training Division continually explore training in areas such as Coaching, Development of Programmes and Materials, and Performance Evaluation to meet our partners needs in administering the Approved Training Centre (ATC), Certified On-the-Job Training Centre (COJTC) and Traineeship schemes. If you are interested to find out more about our S- OJT workshops, visit http://www.ite.edu.sg/wps/ portal/industry or contact Mr Tong It Hong, Head/ OJT at Tong_It_Hong@ite.edu.sg. Do keep a lookout for our upcoming workshops in October 2012, November 2012 and January 2013. We look forward to meeting you! To be an effective trainer, it is important to understand the individual s differences in learning style and adopt a structured coaching process. Mr. Derrick Tan, ITE Industry Officer Clockwise from far left: 1. Mr Derrick Tan clarifying concepts with a participant. 2. Interactive activity. 3. Group discussion on individual experiences. 4. A short practice to put forth concepts learnt. Diagram: The Five - Step Coaching Technique
Fax us at 6590 2452 Upcoming Events/ Contact Us IBT Division will be conducting workshops exclusively for our partners in the months of October 2012, November 2012 and January 2013. This includes the highly popular S-OJT Workshop (featured on Page 7). If you are interested to know the schedule and content, please complete the information below and fax the page to us. Institute of Technical Education Industry-based Training Division 10 Dover Drive Singapore 138683 Effective from 15 November 2012, we will be located at: 2 Ang Mo Kio Drive Singapore 567720 http://www.ite.edu.sg/wps/portal/ industry Alternatively, if you would like to know how IBT s schemes can benefit your company, please fill your contact information below and check the appropriate box. Fax the page to number above and our officers will get in touch with you. Otherwise, you can contact the respective officers. Yes! I am interested to find out more about: Upcoming Events - Workshops Mr Tong It Hong 6590 2429 Tong_It_Hong@ite.edu.sg Approved Training Centre Mr Jeffrey Tan 6590 2430 Jeffrey_Tan@ite.edu.sg Traineeship Scheme Ms Lynn Chua 6590 2441 Lynn_Chua@ite.edu.sg Certified On-the-Job Training Centre (COJTC) & International COJTC Mr Tong It Hong 6590 2429 Tong_It_Hong@ite.edu.sg Name of Organisation: Contact Person: Contact No.: Designation: Fax No.: Email Address: We update our database of partners regularly. If there is a change in mailing address for your company, or in contact details, please let us know by completing this portion and faxing the page to the number above. Yes! We would like to update our contact: Name of Organisation: Address: Postal Code: Contact Person: Telephone No.: Designation: Fax No.: Email Address: The editorial team would be happy to hear your feedback, suggestion or ideas on how to improve on the ilink publication. Let us know of your constructive comments by filling this portion and faxing it to the number above. Yes! We have feedback: