While it’s a universal truth that COVID-19 has an adverse impact on the jobs globally, there are a few industries that in fact have shown resilience in the face of the pandemic.
The precision engineering industry in Singapore is among the very few that grew by 10% between January and September’20 compared to the same period last year. Other outliers include the businesses serving semiconductor and medical technology sectors.
The reasons are not hard to find.
As the world reels under the impact of coronavirus pandemic, the demand for products such as diagnostic kits and ventilators have shot up.
The precision industry employs a fifth of the over 473K workers in the manufacturing sector and has over 2,800 companies. These firms deal in machinery, systems and equipment required for tech appliances to enable work from home jobs. There are other businesses in the industry that provide digital solutions such as sensors to meet the safe distancing guidelines.
According to a recent report, close to 1500 precision engineering jobs were available in Singapore. Most of these jobs were for professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs)
Monster Employment Index Singapore for October’20 Production/Manufacturing recorded over 20% YoY growth in e-recruitment among industries monitored by the index, which further underlines the growth momentum in the manufacturing sector in the Lion City.
So, what is it, that’s fueling the growth in semiconductor and precision industry?
The new demands and the changing nature of our work due to the pandemic has worked as a catalyst for these industries.
Some of the factors that are contributing to the growth are:
- Remote work
- Data center demand
- Growth of 5G economy
- Solutions to maintain social distancing
- Support through Pact scheme
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology, be it e-commerce, online teaching, telemedicine and video conferencing. Each one of these, directly or indirectly has contributed to the growth in the manufacturing sector.
Which job roles and experience levels are in demand?
Bulk of the jobs available in PE industry are for professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs). Professionals with experience level between 2 and 5 years are among the most sought after. Some of the popular job roles in the precision industry are engineer, machinist, instrument craftsman, technician and plant manager among others.
In the semiconductor sector, popular job roles that are in demand include mechanical design engineer, electrical engineer, software engineer and electronic engineer.
What are the salaries in precision engineering industry?
Salaries in the industry are a combination for various factors including education, experience and your negotiations skills. A manufacturing engineering technician may earn anything between S$1,500 and S$2,350. The salary of an industrial and production engineer could range from S$2,600 to S$6,000.
How to make a switch to the PE Industry?
The Singapore government with its various schemes such as SkillsFuture Singapore under SGUnited Skills program provides various trainings to bridge the skill gap.
Workers who wish to make a switch or grow within the precision engineering sector can identify relevant training programmes to upgrade their skills and prepare for the desired precision engineering job roles.
| Job Role | Qualifications Required | Recommended Courses | Estimated Salary* |
| Engineer | Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering | WSQ Specialist Diploma in Precision Engineering
WSQ Graduate Diploma in Design and Processes or Mechatronics WSQ Operations Management Innovation (OMNI) Programme |
$3,400 – $5300 |
| Machinist | NITEC in Aerospace Machining Technology or Laser & Tooling Technology or Medical Manufacturing Technology | WSQ Diploma and Specialist Diploma in Precision Engineering (Master Craftsman Skills) | $SGD 1,600 – $2,300 |
| QA Assistant Engineer | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics or Aerospace Engineering | WSQ Graduate Diploma in Design and Processes | $SGD 2,300 – $3,500 |
| Plant Manager | Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering | WSQ Specialist Diploma in Precision Engineering
WSQ Graduate Diploma in Design and Processes or Mechatronics WSQ Operations Management Innovation (OMNI) Programme WSQ Professional Diploma in Leadership and People Management |
$4,900 – $8,600 |
| Production Coordinator | Diploma in Engineering or Business | WSQ Graduate Diploma in Manufacturing Operations Management
WSQ Establish Lean Six Sigma Methodology WSQ Apply Statistics for Lean Six Sigma |
$2,200 – $4,400 |
*Indicative only
While pandemic has made many job roles redundant, there are others that are in high demand. According to a World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2020 report that surveyed 29 companies with operations in Singapore indicated that job roles such as bank tellers, accountants, entry clerks and factory workers were becoming redundant in their organisation.
To remain afloat and relevant in a volatile economy, it’s important to constantly upgrade your skills and keep a tab on what’s happening in the job market.
Search and apply to semiconductor jobs and precision engineering jobs today!
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