New Professional Conversion Programme launched for interior fit-out specialists

NEW workers in the furniture installation sector will soon have the option to upgrade themselves via a new Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) launched by the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) Institute on Wednesday.

Set to begin in July this year, the programme comprises a three-part training tailored for interior fit-out specialists to help them take on higher-value tasks such as client and project management, on-site supervisory and interpreting design works and translating them into production.

Participants will get to equip themselves with more knowledge and practical skills in assembly technology and training installation under the nine-month-long training programme.

Additionally, existing interior fit-out specialists can look forward to more career progression opportunities, moving to become an interior fit-out master with a monthly salary of between S$2,500 and more than S$4,000, according to figures from Workforce Singapore.

As part of the launch on Wednesday, 10 companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to take on new hires from the programme.

Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development Sim Ann noted the challenges for the furniture manufacturing industry brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, including supply chain bottlenecks, rising logistics costs, as well as manpower constraints.

"In this new normal, it is imperative for companies to automate and innovate in order to differentiate against their competitors and stay attractive to clients as well as employees," she said.

As there are currently no interior fit-out courses tailored to meet the needs of the furniture sector, Ms Sim called on all furniture companies to participate in the programme.

In collaboration with Workforce Singapore and Enterprise Singapore, the PCP is the third of its kind launched by SFIC. Two other PCPs had earlier been launched by SFIC for designers and digital operation talents. The PCPs are part of the government's attempt to help mid-career professionals, managers, executives and technicians move into new occupations or sectors that have good prospects and opportunities for progression.