NTUC LearningHub launches agri-tech training space to groom workforce

NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHub) launched its first agri-tech training space on Thursday to train workers and to address the "pressing issues of employability for the sector and Singapore's food resilience".

The Agritech Lab @ Benoi, which spans over 3,200 square feet, will expose trainees to the latest in high-tech farming solutions, and equip them with skills in technologies such as Internet of Things and machine-learning to optimise production and profitability in urban farming, NTUC LHub said.

Eugene Wong, chairman of the training space, said: "We aim to train our local workforce to be well-equipped to pivot into agritech. Beyond theory-based lessons, our new Agritech Lab @ Benoi will enable trainees to work on real-life projects and be fully immersed in the world of high-tech farming."

Singapore is pushing to improve its food resilience with the goal of producing 30 per cent of nutritional needs locally by 2030. NTUC LHub noted that the Singapore Food Agency expects about 4,700 jobs to be created and upskilled in the agri- and aqua-tech food industry by 2030.

The education and training provider has collaborated with training partner Netatech to design a six-month full-time programme in areas such as farm technology, business planning and food safety.

Trainees who complete the SG United Skills Digital Agritech Operations Manager programme could have careers as, for example, agricultural economists, farm managers and food inspectors.

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A total of 119 trainees have enrolled in the pioneer cohort of its programme; some of these are looking to start their own ventures in growing vegetables after graduating.

NTUC LHub, which is targeting to train up to 180 trainees by 2022, said there was an "overwhelming response" in applications for the upcoming two intakes.

NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng noted that the programme has attracted participants from varied sectors, including IT and engineering. Most are middle-aged. He added that NTUC is committed to ensuring that workers remain employable through training and upskilling, and that such workers hope to expand their job prospects in "sunrise industries" - where there is a growing demand for labour, such as agri-tech.

Netatech chief executive David Tan does not expect demand for labour in agri-tech to let up because food is a fundamental need.

"However, we need our local community to farm and be equipped with the new technologies to move into sustainable urban farming," he added. "Through training, we can give Singaporeans the opportunity to reinvent what a traditional farm looks like, and contribute to the sector by starting a career in agri-tech."