The bipartite initiative aims to let workers sail towards abundant job opportunities in the maritime industry in seafaring positions such as steersmen, Special Limits Officers or deck officers onboard ocean-going vessels. To show them the ropes, the Maritime MAP will address issues such as screening and recruiting workers, providing funding and training allowances as well as securing industry placements.
Buoyant Prospects Aplenty
Local workers who enrol for the Maritime MAP will be able to ride on the crest of good employment prospects in the buoyant maritime industry. For example, a Special Limits Officer may start off with a salary between $2,200 and $3,000 per month, and may eventually rise to the position of Special Limits Master and earn more than $4,000 per month. Not bad for a profession with secondary school or “N” level educational qualifications as entry requirements!
Mr Seah Cheng Hock, aged 44, can attest to the benefits of the Maritime MAP for local workers. He participated in the Place and Train Programme for Harbour Craft Steersman in 2009 and was subsequently recruited by Tian San Shipping (Private) Limited as a trainee steersman.
After successfully completing a 4-month training programme and passing the required examinations, he qualified as a steersman. Mr Seah is currently a harbour craft steersman in Tian San Shipping’s fleet and due to his good performance, the company has sponsored Mr Seah for further training to upgrade his skills to a helmsman, which means Mr Seah will be able to take charge of larger vessels in Tian San’s fleet. With the upcoming promotion, Mr Seah could earn 40 per cent more than his previous employment.
The maritime industry is a main anchor for the local economy, contributing about 7 per cent of Singapore’s GDP and employing more than 170,000 workers across more than 5,000 maritime companies.
To enquire about the Maritime MAP, call the Employment and Employability Institute at 6474 0606 between 9am and 6pm from Mondays to Fridays, or between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.
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