ITE launches training centre simulating airport operations as aviation recovers

A TRAINING centre that simulates real-world airport operations was launched at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College East on Friday (Apr 21), and will cater to a new programme in customer service in the sector.

In his address at the launch of the facility, Minister for Transport S Iswaran noted that Singapore’s aviation industry has turned the corner, and that Changi Airport’s passenger traffic has hit 80 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

The past two years of post-pandemic scaling up has reinforced the importance of mastering complex airport operations, he said, adding that Singapore must continue to recruit, train and maintain a flow of talent in the sector.

The new Airport Operations Simulation Training Centre aims to do just that. The facility can show students a three-dimensional projection mapping of Changi Airport, so they can see how operations across the different parts of the airport are linked. Students will also be trained in cargo and baggage handling in a cross-section of a plane’s cargo hold, and in airport-driving conditions with a virtual-reality simulator.

ITE College East principal Yek Tiew Ming said that the centre would provide students and trainees with hands-on experience and “inculcate safety and sustainability mindsets”.

The centre is for students in aviation-related courses such as the Higher Nitec in Passenger Services, as well as the existing Work-Study Diploma in Airport Operations and the new Work-Study Diploma in Customer Experience Management (Aviation).

The last-named course, introduced last month, is an alternative track to existing aviation-related courses. Running two-and-a-half years, it combines classroom learning with hands-on experience and real-world simulations.

Trainees learn to analyse customer behaviour and are trained for ground-handling services such as passenger and baggage check-in, arrival and departure duties, service disputes and handling lost-and-found baggage.

To keep its courses aligned with industry needs, ITE signed a memorandum of understanding with Changi Airport Group (CAG) and renewed a partnership with the budget airline Scoot. Under the agreement, ITE will work with CAG and Scoot to update its courses in response to the latest industry trends and practices. ITE staff, students and trainees will gain access to training, internships and attachments.

Low Khah Gek, chief executive officer of ITE, said: “With the aviation industry recovering steadily from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important for ITE to work with industry partners to continue to build a strong pipeline of local talent to support the expansion and growth of the aviation industry in Singapore.”

Scoot CEO Leslie Thng said that the airline has already hired some 500 ITE graduates as cabin crew and welcomes more graduates to join.