The new Temasek Aviation Academy houses an aircraft-access hangar, unmanned aerial vehicle development facilities and aircraft technical training workshops, among other cutting-edge facilities.
In keeping with efforts to boost manpower development in the growing aviation sector, Temasek Polytechnic recently launched the Temasek Aviation Academy (TAA), an aviation and aerospace teaching facility dedicated to the training of diploma students and working adults.
The 6,000 sqm TAA houses an aircraft-access hangar, unmanned aerial vehicle development facilities and aircraft technical training workshops, among other cutting-edge facilities. In addition to classroom-based learning, students will also undergo structured on-the-job training to better position themselves as strong aviation professionals.
“With on-the-job training, the environment is active and dynamic. Trainees naturally have to adapt what they learn to changing circumstances which will likely be quite different from what they were taught in the classroom. They have to actively practise what they learn rather than listening passively and imagining how to respond to pre-set conditions,” said Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo, who officially opened the facility on 8 January 2016.
In this spirit of cultivating active learning, Temasek Polytechnic has also introduced the SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme (ELP) for Aerospace Technicians in August 2015. ELP participant 21-year-old Siti Mariani Binte Ahmad described the two-month programme as an eye-opener. “Beside job-related skills, our teachers and supervisors emphasised the importance of character and attitude and instilled in us a strong sense of adaptability and willingness to learn,” she said. With the exposure she gained from the ELP, she is now confident that she has what it takes to grow in her job and successfully adapt to the constantly evolving technologies and job requirements in the aviation industry.
In addition, CAAS is working together with its tripartite partners to develop two new SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programmes for Passenger Services and Ground Operations Specialists (formerly equipment operators). Besides such Earn and Learn programmes targeting newer recruits, the training for existing staff will also be adapted, in supporting skills development in the aviation industry.