Launch of Skills Pathway for EV Technical Specialists

1.       The National Transport Academy, Skillsfuture Singapore (SSG) and its skills development partner the Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), have launched a new skills pathway for electric vehicle (EV) technical specialists to prepare our workforce for the transition to EVs. The Skills Pathway for EV Technical Specialists builds on existing capability development efforts, such as the National EV Safety Specialist (NESS) Certification^[1] that provides automotive technical specialists with essential foundational knowledge for working safely in high-voltage EV environments. It will address the growing demand for skilled EV professionals as Singapore electrifies both the automotive and public transport sectors. Major automotive employers, including Borneo Motors, BYD, Cycle & Carriage, and Komoco, support the initiative.  

2.       The Skills Pathway for EV Technical Specialists has been developed and validated by key stakeholders in the industry, including all four public bus operators, Singapore Bus Academy, employers in the automotive sector, and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). The pathway features a structured four-tier progression from Technical Specialist to Engineer, with courses curated based on industry feedback and requirements. It provides a clear progression route for existing automotive technicians to enhance their capabilities, and for new technical specialists to be trained, strengthening Singapore’s EV workforce pipeline. Employers will be able to refer to this standardised skills pathway as a reliable hiring framework, enabling them to identify candidates equipped with the requisite competencies for entry and advancement within the EV maintenance sector.

3.       Key features of the pathway include:

a.       Progression in Professional Development: Participants will progress through levels of technical competency and skills, and are ultimately eligible for recognition under the Chartered Engineering Scheme, with titles such as Chartered Technician, Chartered Technologist, and Chartered Engineer, based on their demonstrated expertise. The Skills Pathway for EV Technical Specialist is structured into four levels: 

b.       Collaboration with Automotive Industry Leaders: Employers, such as Borneo Motors, BYD, Cycle & Carriage, and Komoco, will be actively involved, ensuring that individuals gain practical and job-ready skills that are aligned with industry needs.

c.       Meeting Industry Demand: Participating employers gain access to a broader talent pool equipped with EV maintenance skills and competencies, to support their business and innovation needs.

4.       Eligible individuals and employees^[2] will enjoy at least 50% course fee subsidies for SSG-approved courses identified under the Skills Pathway. The remaining out-of-pocket course fees can be offset through SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) for individuals or SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) for eligible employers.

[1] Launched in 2022, the NESS Certification has been conducted by seven accredited training providers and trained over 2,000 professionals.

[2] For more information about the different types of SkillsFuture fundings, visit www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/funding-individuals for individuals and skillsfuture.gobusiness.gov.sg/support-and-programmes/funding for enterprises