S$2 million set aside for infocomm training in Singapore
IDA co-funds training to accelerate the development of infocomm skills so as to support future growth.
SINGAPORE, 6 July 2000 - The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has set aside S$2 million to train 1,000 infocomm manpower in critical skill areas through a co-funding program with employers.
This falls under a new phase of the existing 'Critical IT Resource Program', which has since been renamed the 'Critical Infocomm Technology Resource Program' (CITREP).
CITREP, which is part of the Infocomm 21 Manpower Development initiative, is aimed at accelerating the development of emerging, critical and specialised infocomm skills in high demand by the industry.
IDA identifies Internet Development, E-commerce Development, Networking, Mobile/Wireless Communications and Multimedia Development as the five most essential skills relevant to the core business of organisations.
Today, several high growth sectors face shortages in infocomm manpower. The growth in infocomm manpower in Singapore averages 10% over the next two years. This translates to a need for 10,000 infocomm manpower every year.
By the year 2010, some 250,000 infocomm manpower will be needed. This is more than two-and-a-half times the current manpower of 93,000 being employed across all industries.
Beyond numbers, the current pool of infocomm manpower needs to continuuosly upgrade to ensure relevance of their skills.
One big challenge in this industry is the rate of knowledge obsolescence with an estimated half-life of 18 months or less.
Dr Kaizad Heerjee, assistant chief executive, Online Development, IDA, said that CITREP aims to help organisations defray some of their manpower training costs.
Interested employers, individuals and training providers can obtain more details on CITREP at www.ida.gov.sg.
