LAUNCH OF SKILLS PATHWAY FOR EV TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS

Singapore has about 2,000 automotive workshops and about 10,000 technicians. This new skills pathway will cover both existing and new specialists. We estimate that more than 2,000 workers could benefit initially, with scope to extend the pathway to more individuals depending on demand and industry needs.

Under the skills pathway, employers will be consulted and contribute feedback to shape the curriculum. They will recognise the certification in their recruitment process, including possible internship opportunities. For existing staff, employers are encouraged to support their participation in the certification programme. Employers will take into account employees’ completion of the programme when reviewing role progression opportunities and consider candidates who have completed the pathway for job opportunities in the organisation.

The Skills Pathway supports structured skills and career progression in EV maintenance roles; the competencies developed under the pathway are aligned with industry competency level requirements to support workforce readiness. Employers in the EV sector are strongly encouraged to consider specialists who have completed the skills pathway for employment opportunities in their organisations.

The Skills Pathway for EV Technical Specialists offers a structured four-tier career progression route. While the NESS certification provides foundational safety knowledge for working with high-voltage EV systems, the Skills Pathway builds upon this to create a comprehensive professional development route.

Unlike standalone courses, this pathway provides a clear progression from Technical Specialist to Senior Technical Specialist and beyond. Participants can achieve recognition under the Chartered Engineering Scheme with titles such as Chartered Technician, Chartered Technologist, and Chartered Engineer. These are credentials that can enhance their career prospects in Singapore’s growing EV sector.

The pathway has been developed and validated by key industry stakeholders including all four public bus operators and major automotive employers like Borneo Motors, BYD, Cycle & Carriage and Komoco Motors. This ensures that the skills developed are aligned with industry needs and career advancement opportunities.

Participants can also enjoy at least 50% course fee subsidies for SSG-approved courses, with remaining costs offset through SkillsFuture Credit or SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit for eligible employers.

Employers gain access to a standardised, industry-validated framework for workforce development that addresses the demands of Singapore’s EV transition. The pathway has been developed and validated by major industry players including Borneo Motors, BYD, Cycle & Carriage and Komoco Motors, as well as all the four public bus operators.

The NESS certification has trained over 2,000 professionals since 2022, demonstrating strong industry demand. This expanded pathway builds on that foundation and addresses the shortage of skilled EV mechanics. This pathway professionalises the industry through structured career progression. Employers will have access to a broader talent pool with verified competencies that align with industry standards, while the four-level structured progression will attract more talent to the sector as reward and recognition rise in tandem with upskilling. This allows for better workforce planning and provides a reliable hiring framework to identify candidates with the requisite skills for different levels within EV maintenance operations.

The pathway will address the growing demand for skilled EV professionals as Singapore accelerates its transition to greener mobility across both private and public sectors. Eligible employers can also leverage SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC) to offset training costs.