TL;DR – NTUC will work with stakeholders to put in place a Career Progression Model (CPM) that would translate to better work prospects and better wages in these skilled essential trades.
Skilled trades require extensive training and work experience to gain the level of expertise needed to do the job well. As the older generation of tradesmen retire without enough qualified candidates taking on these jobs, the “skilled trades gap” becomes a growing concern.
Jobs that fall under skilled essential trades
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) mechanics
Taller buildings and deeper transport systems built underground calls for more reliable plumbing, and sanitary systems. Climate change has also increased the reliance on air-conditioning to cool our homes, work, and commercial spaces. A shortage of such skilled labour can severely impact our future infrastructure plans and economic growth.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said, “There is a national need to ensure that essential services such as our water supply is safeguarded. If the current challenge facing skilled essential trades are not addressed, we will see a critical lack of local expertise in these sectors in 10 years’ time.”
NTUC championing better work prospects and wages for tradesmen
NTUC will work with relevant stakeholders, unions, tradesmen, and trade associations to gather feedback and views that will help to put in place a Career Progression Model (CPM) that would translate to better work prospects and better wages in these skilled essential trades. This includes supporting skilled essential tradesmen to develop their skills, attain mastery, and build long-term careers.
What would the CPM model achieve?
- Introduce structured technical skills competency frameworks that may translate into better career prospects and better wages.
- Define more training pathways leading from tertiary education into skilled essential trades.
- Publicise clear and transparent quality standards for respective sectors.
- Incentivise companies to implement productivity and technological improvements. I.e., through the NTUC Company Training Committee (CTC) Grant.
Later this month on 23 February, NTUC will be having an #EveryWorkerMatters Conversation with tradesmen.
You can get involved by sharing your suggestions and thoughts on NTUC’s #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations microsite.