EMA announces SkillsFuture study awards to deepen power sector expertise

EFFORTS to grow a new generation of power sector specialists in Singapore received another boost on Tuesday, when the Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced the SkillsFuture Study Awards for early to mid-career Singaporeans deepening their power engineering skills.

The bond-free S$5,000 cash grant can be used to defray out-of-pocket training expenses for power sector-related engineering courses, said EMA.

These range from higher Nitec (National ITE Certificate), diploma and degree programmes offered by local institutes to relevant courses by training providers such as the Singapore Institute of Power and Gas or the BCA Academy.

EMA chief executive Ng Wai Choong said there are "new and exciting developments" in the power sector in Singapore. These include the expansion of the liquefied natural gas terminal, the increasing deployment of solar energy and the need to mitigate cyber-security challenges for power systems.

"With the SkillsFuture Study Awards, we hope our power sector technical professionals will take this opportunity to develop greater mastery of skills not just to stay relevant, but to also propel the industry forward," said Mr Ng.

The award can be used on top of existing government course fee subsidies, and is part of the SkillsFuture movement, a national effort to integrate education, training and career progression.

It has also been launched in sectors such as accountancy, precision engineering and retail.

The award for the power sector, to be given to 30 successful candidates, will be open for application from July 1.