Will the power industry avoid a manpower shortage?

Probably if the newly formed taskforce trains enough young Singaporeans to replace retirees.

The government has created the Power Sector Manpower Taskforce or PSMT, which will begin drafting recommendations on how to address the upcoming mass retirement in the power sector ranks.

The recommendations will be submitted this December.

"The PSMT will map out key strategies in the areas of attraction, retention and personnel development to ensure that the manpower needs for Singapore’s power sector continue to be met in the medium to long-term. The taskforce will also identify the types of manpower capabilities required and propose suitable initiatives for how education and training systems as well as in-company career progression pathways can develop these competencies," said the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in a release.

"In 2011, EMA and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) conducted a study on the energy sector’s current manpower profile and future manpower requirements. The current size of the power sector workforce is about 4,600, of which, two-thirds are technical professionals. The study, which was done in consultation with industry and union leaders, found that the power sector was facing an ageing workforce and challenges in attracting and retaining young Singaporeans," EMA said.

"More than 40% of the technical workforce will be eligible for retirement in the next 10-15 years. Based on current trends, there is insufficient inflow of young Singaporeans to replace these workers when they retire. Inadequate manpower supply to meet growing demand. Projections show that about 2,400 additional technical personnel will be needed to support the sector’s growth over the next 10 years," it added.

“This taskforce’s role will be critical in ensuring that Singapore’s power sector continues to face and overcome its challenges in the coming years. The power sector has to ensure its manpower capabilities are adequate to meet and adapt to the oncoming changes in the power landscape. Key developments in recent years include the shift from oil-fired steam plants to more efficient combined-cycle gas turbine plants, as well as new technology innovations to enhance system resilience, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It is also important for the power sector to reach out to young Singaporeans, to raise awareness of the interesting career opportunities which the sector offers and the significance of its contributions to Singapore," said Chairman of the PSMT, Mr Quek Poh Huat.

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