1 Mechatronics (or Mechanical and Electronics Engineering) is the combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering and Computer engineering.
2 The SMSCP is a comprehensive industry skills certification programme designed and offered by Siemens Professional Education (SPE) Berlin, the industrial giant’s in-company professional training centre. The programme is divided into three levels and aligned to WDA’s Precision Engineering Workforce Skills Qualifications (PE WSQ) framework. Trainees in Singapore who complete the Level 1 programme with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) will be awarded the WSQ Certified Mechatronic Systems Assistant (WSQ CMSA) certification. The certificate, jointly issued by SPE Berlin and WDA, is a valued professional accreditation recognised worldwide.
3 Despite the economic downturn, there are still pockets of growth in sectors such as aerospace manufacturing and medical technology. Aside from raising skills standards and industrial benchmarks, the internationally-recognised certification serves to enhance workers’ competitiveness and employability in a volatile economy. Workers receive practical, hands-on training for up-skilling and re-skilling while employers benefit from improved efficiency from optimum production capacity and reduced machine downtime.
4 “This collaboration underscores WDA’s commitment to tie up with reputable training institutions to deliver world-class quality training programmes to our workforce,” said Mr Goh Eng Ghee, Deputy Chief Executive, WDA. “Siemens AG is a world leader in engineering and future technologies. This academically-sound and industry-relevant programme will benefit employees seeking to upgrade their skills and advance their careers. Trainees will be equipped with the most up-to-date skills to handle complex technology which is imperative as companies move up the manufacturing value-chain."
5 Mr Martin Stöckmann, Director, SPE Berlin commented: “The primary objective of our programme is to provide high-quality training and opportunities for continuous upgrading. With over 100 years of experience in providing technical training, our expertise in this field will ensure those who attend the SMSCP become more competitive, enjoy better career prospects and more importantly, raise industry’s skills standards.”
6 Dr Moh Chong Tau, President/CEO, Makino Asia Pte Ltd said: "The WSQ CMSA is an industry-focused training programme. Trainees will be exposed to world class training standards which will enable them to understand more deeply about complex mechatronic systems. With the emergence and adoption of more sophisticated manufacturing technologies, workers must keep abreast of the latest technologies so that they can remain relevant in their jobs and advance in their careers."
6 Dr Moh Chong Tau, President/CEO, Makino Asia Pte Ltd said: "The WSQ CMSA is an industry-focused training programme. Trainees will be exposed to world class training standards which will enable them to understand more deeply about complex mechatronic systems. With the emergence and adoption of more sophisticated manufacturing technologies, workers must keep abreast of the latest technologies so that they can remain relevant in their jobs and advance in their careers."
7 Registration for Level 1 module of the WSQ CMSA is now open. The closing date of registration is 19 December 2008. Level 2 and 3 modules will be available at a later date. Classes will be conducted on a part-time basis in the evenings. For more information on the program, please call ITE at 6590 2393, email to itp@ite.edu.sg or visit www.ite.edu.sg. For more information on the SMSCP, please visit www.siemens-certifications.com.
For further information and media interviews, please contact:
1. Ms Sabariah Aris
Manager
Corporate & Marketing Communications Division
Singapore Workforce Development Agency
DID : (65) 6512 1243
Email : sabariah_aris@wda.gov.sg
2. Ms Sharon Teo
Corporate Communications & Marketing Services
Siemens Pte Ltd
DID : (65) 6490 8474
E-mail : sharon.teo@siemens.com
About Singapore Workforce Development Agency
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives.
For more information, please visit http://www.wda.gov.sg
About Siemens Professional Education Berlin
Siemens AG, one of the world's largest high-tech manufacturing corporations, is a leader in complex technologies, particularly in complex systems integrating electrical, mechanical and computer engineering. The marriage of these three engineering fields is better known as mechatronic systems.
With the increasing prevalence in which integrated mechatronic systems are being used globally, the expertise of Siemens AG is now available through the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Programme (SMSCP) which is developed by the Siemens Technik Akademie Berlin, Siemens’s own elite international technical college. Its aim is to offer graduates from overseas colleges or universities an industrial certificate which guarantees a world-class training standard.
For more information, please visit http://www.siemens-certifications.com
About Siemens Singapore
With 6 companies and employing more than 2,200 people, Siemens is one of the largest European companies in Singapore. Siemens delivers cutting-edge solutions and technologies in the fields of industry, energy and healthcare. Established in Singapore since 1908, it is responsible for many of the country’s key infrastructure projects, and has been setting the pace of growth and development for this island-nation. In fiscal 2007 (October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2007), sales to customers amounted to SGD 1.3 billion. New orders totaled SGD 1.6 billion. Its staff is dedicated to provide a full range of services, which include engineering, design, software development, marketing, maintenance, as well as manufacturing.
For further information on Siemens Singapore, please visit http://www.siemens.com.sg