More can qualify to be licensed electricians, gas service workers

SINGAPORE - Any person who has at least 10 years of relevant local practical experience in electrical or gas service work can apply for an electrician or gas service worker license starting February, 2015.

This will benefit workers who have the relevant skills and expertise, but did not have the opportunity to obtain formal academic qualifications, said the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in a statement today. Consumers will also benefit from having access to a larger pool of licensed electricians and gas service workers.

To maintain safety standards, EMA will continue to require all applicants to pass an interview and proficiency tests.

Some 70 rules and requirements have been simplified by EMA in an attempt to reduce costs and enhance flexibility for businesses. EMA also said that these changes will benefit electricity and gas licensees, and also consumers via lower compliance costs and improved service standards.

General Secretary of Union of Power and Gas Employees (UPAGE) Nachiappan R K Sinniah applauded the move and said: "This development will allow the skills and experiences of our workers to remain relevant and recognised, keeping them employable for a longer period of time.

"The pool of talent in the energy sector will increase and this calls for the need to provide further training for these workers to continuously learn and upgrade themselves. The union looks forward to working with EMA to effectively represent these workers," he added.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg