Boost for ITE grads in building sector

INSTITUTE of Technical Education (ITE) graduates in the construction industry can now aim for higher pay - on par with that of diploma holders - through a new programme.

From the second half of this year, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will be partnering firms to employ and train ITE graduates to fill larger supervisory roles or specialised jobs in skills such as design work.

It will offer an alternative career path to the current BCA apprenticeships, which develop those with N- and O-level qualifications to become construction foremen in trades such as plumbing and crane operation.

Under the new programme, ITE graduates will be groomed to take on higher-level positions and earn industry-recognised certification.

This includes the BCA's Core- Trade Supervisor certificate and the specialist diploma in building information modelling.

Those who are certified could earn salaries comparable to that of diploma-holders.

The programme is in line with the national SkillsFuture movement, which aims to integrate education, training and career progression.

Senior Minister of State for Education and Law Indranee Rajah revealed the initiative yesterday at an event, during which the BCA gave out 122 scholarships to ITE students.

The programme will target more than 280 ITE graduates from built environment courses who have received scholarships from the BCA.

Mr Shi Qinshu, a 24-year-old building information modelling apprentice who graduated from ITE's Nitec course in space design (interior and exhibition) last year, said he plans to find out more about the programme.

"I want to gain more knowledge and experience in this sector," he said. "I hope that if I can become more skilful in an area, I will be promoted."

ateng@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Feb 18, 2015.
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