Focus on getting and retaining the talented

Focus on getting and retaining the talented
PHOTO: Focus on getting and retaining the talented

COMPANIES of all sizes face a diverse set of challenges when seeking growth, but ensuring that they continue to employ qualified manpower is a recurring concern shared by all.

This is even more so for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that grapple with attracting talent amid tightened labour laws.

Trade associations and chambers (TACs) have recognised this, and have stepped up their efforts to help local SMEs train and attract manpower to stay ahead of the competition.

These include conducting training for SMEs to upgrade the skills of their employees and new initiatives to promote the industry to young talents.

Imparting expertise

BESIDES promoting green businesses in Singapore, the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) wants to help its members improve their technical proficiencies.

Jobs in the sustainable energy sector require highly specialised expertise, and clean energy SMEs have to meet a wide range of needs particular to the industries that their clients come from, says SEAS chairman Edwin Khew.

He explains: "Energy efficiency for different industries will have different applications. There is common equipment that you can use in certain industries, but other industries have equipment that consumes a lot of energy and is very specific to that industry too."

For instance, managing energy efficiency within the manufacturing sector requires a unique set of skills and knowledge because of the many processes involved, he says. "You need engineers who have come from the industry and are trained as an energy manager to see how to use energy efficiently."

But these challenges also translate into opportunities for SMEs as the presence of high-value industries, including the petrochemical, pharmaceutical and oil-refining industries, is strong in Singapore.

"Once we establish know-how and capabilities in helping each of these become more and more efficient, then there's a demand around the whole region for our SMEs to tap on," adds Mr Khew. That is why SEAS runs training programmes for firms to acquire such expertise.

One company that has benefited from the programmes is CPG Facilities Management.

The move towards sustainable energy management among its clients prompted the firm to send its employees for training to help the industry meet evolving standards.

After going through the 18-day Singapore Certified Energy Manager (SCEM) course conducted by SEAS, the firm was able to better manage lighting efficiency, conduct energy audits and improve energy consumption for its clients' buildings.

"It was quite an eye-opener for me because I've never had a chance to go for such comprehensive training," says CPG executive general manager Leslie Earnest.

A total of 24 CPG staff have attended the course since 2009, and the firm has been reaping the benefits.

"There are some tenders that we take part in, and requirements like conducting an energy audit are put into the tenders. Having gone through this SCEM course, we are a lot more enlightened on what has to be done," says Mr Earnest. And the company is looking to undergo more training in this aspect to eventually take on the task itself, instead of having external parties conduct the energy audit for its clients.

Branding efforts

MEANWHILE, other TACs are looking at ways to help their members attract young talent to their respective industries.

Last year, the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA) launched the Supply Chain Challenge as part of its branding efforts to promote greater understanding of the industry among tertiary students, and draw new entrants into the industry.

The challenge, which was launched on June 1 last year, is jointly supported by Spring Singapore and SIM University (UniSIM).

About 200 students from five local polytechnics took part in the competition, and three teams eventually qualified for a chance to work with three mentor companies from the logistics industry.

During the stint, the teams had to address practical problems that the firms were facing.

"This involved marrying the theoretical knowledge acquired in class with its application in real- life workplaces," says SLA chairman Quek Keng Liang.

One SME that had the chance to work with the finalists was Addicon Logistics Management. A team of four students from Nanyang Polytechnic, mentored by Addicon's chief operating officer Stanley Lim, was given the task of tackling a challenge that the company was facing.

"At that time, we were moving from our warehouse here (at Old Toh Tuck Road) to Tanjong Penjuru - from a smaller warehouse to a big warehouse. So the team looked at the constraints we had during the move, and how to fully utilise our manpower and keep our costs down. It's a very tough question, and they did very well," says Mr Lim.

Although the team did not win, Mr Lim is not deterred from giving the participants an opportunity to work with his firm.

"I thought they were going to win, but the better team won. They were disappointed, but I should say that I want to employ them. I told them if you leave Nanyang Polytechnic, I will get you in and give you opportunities for part-time studies to pursue your degree," he says.

And he firmly believes that this is the way forward for SMEs wanting to keep suitable candidates in the industry.

Companies should be willing to provide outstanding participants of the competition employment and even further their educational opportunities, he says. In this way, the industry can attract and retain talent.

"The company can co-fund their tertiary education with Spring, which I think Addicon is well prepared for. We want that. This is a good way to nurture young talents to come to this industry and have a future in this industry and become a stayer. They create a future for themselves with upgrading of their skills."

He also believes that the SLA can play its role as the industry leader and spearhead such an initiative to facilitate tie-ups between its members and Spring.

"The Supply Chain Challenge 2012 was successful on several counts, in that the nexus between the logistics industry and institutes of higher leaning is strengthened," says Mr Quek.

"The collaboration between companies, students and faculty is enhanced, and the industry is able to attract a new talent pool to drive the future growth of the industry."


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