Agri-tech demand moves NTUC LearningHub to add classes
Survey finds that most professionals perceive industry as a promising one for career growth and development
Singapore
WHEN the team at NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHub) noticed a burgeoning demand for skilled workers in the agriculture technology - or agri-tech - sector with approximately 200 to 300 job openings, it decided to launch its maiden agri-tech course in March this year under the SG United Skills Programme.
It was so popular that the company, a social enterprise under NTUC, had to launch five more classes within the same period after applications were more than four times oversubscribed.
To formally gauge public interest and perception in the agri-tech sector, NTUC LHub conducted a survey in the same month.
Of 300 professionals and job seekers, almost nine in 10 who were not currently employed in the sector perceived the agri-tech industry to be a promising one when it comes to career growth and development. A further 64 per cent said they were open to starting a career in or making a switch to agri-tech.
Singaporeans, the survey found, were also largely supportive of the nation's effort to improve food security, with almost three-quarters saying they were willing to pay more for local produce to support the industry if it translates to higher salaries and better job prospects for employees involved.
However, few were aware of opportunities and means to equip themselves with the right skillset to join the agri-tech industry. The survey found that more than 80 per cent of the respondents were unaware of where they could receive the relevant training to enter the industry.
"I think the concern going into agri-tech is that this demand is not so huge in terms of labour . . . but you definitely have to be multi-skilled," said Tay Ee Learn, director of the technical skills product division at NTUC LHub.
"You have to get your hands dirty, (stand) under the sun, but you would also do well if you had the technology and ability to assimilate the technology for farming."
The findings proved useful for NTUC LHub, who is also partnering homegrown company Netatech, a precision irrigation solutions distributor, to define the necessary skill sets needed in agri-tech. This will help to bridge the gap between those looking to enter the industry, and employers who are looking to hire.
Mr Tay said the company is working on establishing a Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework, which can be used to help identify other skills that Singaporeans should equip themselves with if they wish to pursue a career in agri-tech.
"The whole idea is to try to bring not just this know-how on farming agri-tech . . . but also to allow Singaporeans, upon gathering the skills, to be able to explore overseas opportunities in Singapore and overseas," said Mr Tay.
While the agri-tech industry in Singapore is still growing, Mr Tay believes there are a multitude of opportunities in the sector, ranging from data analytics to business-related roles. These skills are also currently being taught in the six-month long agri-tech course offered by NTUC LHub, where participants engage in a mix of face-to-face, virtual and hands-on training in their workshop, and at partner firm Netatech's farm in Lim Chu Kang.
"With considerable private and government investments into Singapore's agri-tech industry, this is an opportune time for those keen on joining the sector to contribute greatly to our nation's goal towards food security and sustainability," said Eugene Wong, chairman of NTUC LHub.
"It is an emerging sector, which from the survey results, we can see that there is a promising buy-in from the general population. This motivation will encourage more from our local workforce to take on relevant skills and knowledge to drive the agri-tech industry."
