The new railway generation

WITH investment going into all aspects of rail, including new infrastructure, signalling, rolling stock and stations, the sector faces a bright future. With digitalisation rapidly emerging as a driver of railway technology and innovation, technology is also encouraging new workers to enter the rail industry and inject fresh ideas and new ways of working.

The rail industry has long faced a serious skills shortage, one which is only set to increase over the coming years. Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the two rail operators, SMRT and SBS Transit, have increased their hiring for engineering, operations and maintenance staff, bringing the total industry headcount to about 9,300. By 2030, the government expects this number to further increase to 15,000, making the rail industry a growth industry. The opportunities that come with the shift towards digitalisation will allow the new generation of workers to be involved in complex, cutting-edge projects as well as new technologies.

With several major development projects taking place across the region, there is no shortage of positions available to rail professionals. The issue is finding the workforce to fill these roles. With the advent of new digital train technology and an ageing workforce, finding the skilled talent to develop and operate this new technology is a very real challenge.