Delivering CAAS-approved content for the first time, the tie-up is crucial in increasing the nation's talent pool.

The local aerospace industry received a massive boost with Lufthansa Technical Training (LTT) and Singapore's Temasek Polytechnic (TP) collaborating to set up the Lufthansa Technical Training Singapore Centre.

Officially opened on 27 March this year, the training facility is based within TP's grounds, and covers a total floor area of 1,500 sq m. It comprises workshops, tool stores, classrooms and computer-based training (CBT) classrooms.

Prized experience

A subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik, LTT is a leading training provider for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, and has over 50 years of experience in the field.

"We are proud to start our training in this state-of-the-art training facility with its first-class equipment and infrastructure," says Ralph Keading, General Manager, LTT Singapore. "Our colleagues and partners involved have worked really hard to realise a quick and professional start after signing the cooperation agreement in October 2007."

One of the key features of this tie-up is that the training package would include programmes based on the European Aviation Safety Agency's (EASA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore's (CAAS) requirements. According to Ko Kheng Hwa, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board, this unique "public-private partnership" is the first educational institution to deliver CAAS-approved content. He also mentioned that companies will value the reduced training period required for the graduates to receive their CAAS license.

Given the pressing need for more skilled talent - the Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore estimates that the Republic will need nearly 1,500 certified MRO technicians and engineers in 2009 alone - this training facility and programme is timely. The syllabus will be jointly conducted by LTT and TP's staff, and the Centre is looking to train a minimum of 250 students this year.

"With our combined technical knowledge and training expertise, TP and LTT will develop this aerospace training centre into a premier education and aerospace training hub. Jointly, we will produce top quality licensed aircraft engineers to support and fuel the growth of the aviation and aerospace industry in Singapore and the region," says Boo Kheng Hua, Principal and CEO, TP.

Besides the link-up with LTT, the polytechnic is also in the process of working out an agreement to offer aerospace degree programmes with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a top American aerospace engineering institution. Elsewhere, the first cohort of graduates from Nanyang Technological University's aerospace engineering degree programme will be entering the workforce in 2009.

Burgeoning aerospace industry

This potential influx of skilled labour is vital to maintain the rapid growth in the aerospace industry. As an indication of its development, the nation's aerospace industry achieved a record output of S$6.9 million (US$5 million) in 2007 - a 10 per cent increase over the previous year. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead the industry's growth, with a projected tripling of its aircraft fleet by 2025.

Recognising this, Singapore is improving its infrastructure by tapping on such forward-looking collaborations to become a prime destination for aerospace-related training services. For instance, besides increasing the local talent pool, LTT will also be using its facility to train personnel for its customers and partners in Asia.

With this dual-pronged approach to educating future generations as well as enhancing the skills of the current workforce, LTT fits in perfectly with the nation's plans to foster a vibrant, flourishing aerospace industry.