The Government of Singapore is set to add 1,000 new jobs in the aerospace sector by 2020, as part of the newly launched Aerospace Industry Transformation Map (ITM) initiative.

The ITM is also expected to add a manufacturing value of S$4bn ($3bn) in the aerospace sector.

It will primarily focus on pursuing operational excellence, supporting innovation in emerging technologies, equipping Singaporeans with relevant skills, and strengthening bonds with industry associations and unions.

“The initiative will enable the Government of Singapore to encourage companies to invest in new equipment and automation to build advanced facilities across the country.”

In order to fulfil its goal of following operational excellence and increase aerospace productivity, the initiative will enable the Government of Singapore to encourage companies to invest in new equipment and automation to build advanced facilities across the country.

Investments in advanced automation equipment, software and engineering capabilities are also encouraged to upgrade existing lines to build new aircraft components.

The government also aims to transform the industry by investing in its public research ecosystem.

Towards this end, Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), along with Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), intends to support the development of relevant technologies that can be brought to commercialisation in future.

The government has also launched the Skills Framework for Aerospace in order to train Singaporeans with the necessary skills to adopt new job scopes and opportunities.

The Skills Framework is co-developed by EDB, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), with input from industry stakeholders, unions, and education and training institutions.

It covers various tracks within the aerospace sector such as aircraft maintenance, fleet maintenance, aircraft engine/component maintenance, and manufacturing.