BCA offers new scholarships to ITE students to attract talent

BCA offers new scholarships to ITE students to attract talent

Previously, the scholarship was available only to university and polytechnic students. Attracting local talent at all levels is a "key component" of the BCA's plan to steer growth and sustain productivity in the built environment sector, said its chief executive John Keung. He cited a recent manpower survey by the BCA, where more than 1,000 firms in the built environment sector said they were planning to hire this year. The survey also indicated that many companies in the industry expect salaries to increase across the board this year.


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The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has awarded 163 scholarships to students pursuing built environment courses at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This is the first time the BCA is awarding scholarships to ITE students, to draw them into the built environment sector, which has sustained growth prospects.

In a recent manpower survey by the BCA, more than half of the 1,000 built environment firms surveyed indicated that, to cope with the sector's booming prospects, they are planning to hire this year, with jobs including site supervisors and foremen that ITE graduates can apply for, in strong demand. The companies intend to fill at least 60 per cent of their job vacancies with locals.

The BCA Built Environment ITE Scholarship covers a student's full course fees and provides a monthly allowance of $500 during their course of study. Upon completing their studies, scholars will serve a two-year bond with firms in the built environment sector.

Dr John Keung, CEO of BCA said: "The ITE Scholarship is an important initiative to attract and bring in a sustained pipeline of local talents at technical and supervisory levels for the built environment sector. The ITE graduates will play a key role in helping to steer technological advancement and productivity improvements in the built environment sector."

Mr Bruce Poh, Director & CEO, ITE, shared, "ITE students are well-equipped with hands-on skills and knowledge to play a key role in shaping the future landscape of the built environment. The scholarship will provide them with a clear and structured progression pathway and give them an impetus to contribute towards the growth of the sector."

Muhammad Asyraf, a student from the Nitec course in Facility Technology (Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration) at ITE College East, believes that the BCA scholarship will provide financial relief and pave the way for his future career in the built environment sector. He became interested in facility management to pick up skills in mechanical and electrical components, which had helped him save costs in repairing electrical home appliances.

"The built environment sector offers new entrants many opportunities and good career prospects. For those seeking meaningful careers, they can make a positive impact to the built environment by spearheading the sector's push for a greener and more inclusive built environment. The young and technologically savvy will also get to work with advanced and game-changing technologies as the sector uses more advanced and productive construction methods," added Dr Keung.

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