national precision engineering study award

YOUR GUIDE TO THE
NATIONAL
PRECISION ENGINEERING
STUDY AWARD
NPESA
CONTENTS
PAGE
WHY PRECISION ENGINEERING (PE)?
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HOW CAN THE NPESA HELP YOU?
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IS THE NPESA RIGHT FOR YOU?
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JOIN THE NPESA COMMUNITY
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HOW DO I APPLY?
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
----------- 07/08/09
NPESA APPLICATION FORM
----------- 10/11/12
01
WHY PRECISION
ENGINEERING (PE)?
PE Specialists help to solve some of the world’s
biggest problems and play an important role in
creating the next technological breakthrough.
PE Specialists can build their careers in industries
as diverse as Oil and Gas, Marine and Offshore,
Medical Technology and Aerospace Machining.
Their expertise is crucial in creating a diverse
range of products from the smallest semiconductor
chips, to the most cutting-edge of medical devices,
and the largest drill bits used in oil exploration.
02
HOW CAN THE NPESA HELP YOU?
The National Precision Engineering Study Award
(NPESA) was introduced by the Singapore Economic
Development Board (EDB) to grow the talent
pipeline that is needed to support advanced
engineering and manufacturing businesses.
Established in 2012, the NPESA is offered to eligible
Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students enrolled
full-time in one of the following PE courses:
- NITEC in Aerospace Machining Technology
- NITEC in Laser & Tooling Technology
- NITEC in Medical Manufacturing Technology
To support ITE students who wish to explore a career
in PE, the NPESA provides:
- Full sponsorship of ITE fees
- S$500 monthly allowance for the duration of the
NITEC course, amounting to S$12,000 over
two years
- Option to defer the two-year work commitment (up
to twice) to pursue higher education
- Opportunity to apply for overseas postings to
complete industry attachment
04
DID YOU KNOW?
- Singapore accounts for about
10% of global output for
compressors for refrigerators
used in millions of kitchens,
30% of global output for hearing
aids, 70% of wire bonders used
in the semiconductor industry
and 70% of jack up oil rigs
used for deep sea oil extraction.
- In 2009, the PE industry
employed more than 91,300
people in Singapore, making up
22% of the total manufacturing
workforce, and this number is set
to grow.
- Singapore is a global leader in the
PE industry and we supply to nine
of the top 10 wafer fabrication
equipment companies in the
world.
03
IS THE NPESA RIGHT FOR YOU?
I have achieved one of the following*:
ITE – GPA 2.5 and above
’N’ Level – ‘B’ grade and above in Mathematics OR Science
‘O’ Level – ‘C’ grade and above in Mathematics OR Science
I wish to be financially independent while I study
I would like the chance to go overseas for my
industry attachment
I want to work in the PE industry
I wish to have more career growth opportunities
*Latest results apply. All applicants will also be required to pass an interview.
05
04
JOIN THE NPESA COMMUNITY
ATIQAH HAMZAH
Draftsmen, Makino Asia
MUHAMMAD IRSHAD NOORHALIM
Technician, Coherent Singapore
“The industry connections and exposure I
received as an NPESA holder helped me to
secure an industry attachment at Makino Asia,
a reputable integrated manufacturing company
with a regional presence. Upon graduation, I was
offered a full-time position where I continued
to grow and develop my expertise. My previous
supervisor, who guided me through the early
days on the job, was hugely inspiring. She has
now moved on to another PE role in the gaming
industry, which makes me really excited for the
many possibilities the future holds.”
“I signed up for the NPESA with my twin brother
Irfan. Coming from a large family, the financial
freedom the NPESA gave us was much welcomed.
Receiving a monthly allowance of S$500 each
meant that we were able to cover our own expenses
and help our parents out. I was also fortunate
enough to secure a three month all-expensespaid industry attachment with Coherent to visit
their American headquarters in Santa Clara,
California. It was my first time to America; I learnt
a lot, had the opportunity to travel and made
many friends. It was a memorable experience
that gave me both valuable skills training and
a meaningful perspective on working in PE that
I am sure will come in handy when I start work.”
05
HOW
DO I
APPLY?
06
REQUEST FOR AN APPLICATION FORM
Call, text or WhatsApp the
- NPESA hotline at +65 9613 7175
- Email npesa@edb.gov.sg
- Or speak to your class advisor
06
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRECISION ENGINEERING (PE)
1. WHAT IS PE?
- The PE sector supports advanced manufacturing businesses in Singapore across many industries
- PE is the crucial enabler for industries as diverse as Oil and Gas, Marine and Offshore, Medical Technology and
Aerospace Machining
- PE education and training will arm individuals with skills to design and build complex components and
equipment such as:
- complicated aircraft engines
- medical equipment that will improve the lives of people with physical disabilities or injuries
- the tiniest semiconductor chips that will be used in millions of devices around the world
2. WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS OF THE PE INDUSTRY IN SINGAPORE?
- Today, there are some 2,700 companies in the PE sector, ranging from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to
large multinational corporations (MNCs)
- By 2020, PE Specialists will fill 90% of the jobs in the industry
NATIONAL PRECISION ENGINEERING STUDY AWARD (NPESA)
1. WHY SHOULD I SIGN UP FOR THE NPESA?
GET AHEAD
- Land the best internships and job opportunities in the PE industry
- Students with exemplary performance will have the opportunity to do an overseas internship of up to three
months, with paid airfare and allowance
- Be part of an exclusive community with fellow NPESA awardees and get invited to workshops, camps and
events where you can network with people from the industry (including your potential future employer!)
BE FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT
- Receive a monthly allowance of S$500 for the duration of the course (two years)
- Receive a full sponsorship of NITEC school fees for the duration of the course (two years)
2. WHAT IF I WANT TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION AFTER GETTING MY NITEC CERTIFICATE?
- NPESA holders are welcome to complete their Higher NITEC and/or a Diploma course in a PE-related field, before
fulfilling the two-year work commitment in the PE industry
- Deferments are capped at Diploma level
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3. WILL I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE A MONTHLY ALLOWANCE IF I TAKE A PE COURSE IN A POLYTECHNIC?
- No, the monthly allowance of S$500 is only effective for the two-year duration of your full-time NITEC course in ITE
4. IF I NEED TO SERVE MY NATIONAL SERVICE, WHEN WILL I HAVE TO START WORKING?
- You will join the PE industry after National Service or upon completing your Higher NITEC and/or a Diploma
course if you choose to pursue higher education
(Note: Enlistment for National Service is not considered a deferment.)
5. CAN I TAKE A NON PE-RELATED DIPLOMA COURSE IN POLYTECHNIC?
- NPESA awardees who are interested in furthering their studies are expected to deepen their expertise in PE to
better equip themselves to work in the industry
- Thus, only relevant Diploma courses (listed in table below) are permitted
INSTITUTION
COURSE
Institute of Technical Education College Central
Technical Engineer Diploma in Machine Technology
Nanyang Polytechnic
1. Diploma in Digital and Precision Engineering
2. Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering
Republic Polytechnic
Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Singapore Polytechnic
1. Diploma in Engineering Systems
2. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
3. Diploma in Mechatronics & Robotics
Temasek Polytechnic
Diploma in Mechatronics
6. DO I HAVE TO FIND MY OWN COMPANY TO FULFILL MY BOND?
- Yes, you can choose the company you wish to work for
- This is typical of non-company specific study awards
- NPESA awardees should not face difficulties finding a job in a relevant industry, and can approach the
Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) should such difficulties arise
7. MUST I COMPLETE THE TWO-YEAR WORK COMMITMENT IN THE SAME COMPANY?
- It is recommended that you do, as the work experience will encompass on-the-job training and you will acquire
deep industry-specific knowledge
- You will also improve your rate of progression and career growth potential
8. DO I NEED TO MAINTAIN A GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)?
- You will need to obtain a GPA of more than 2.5 at the end of your two-year NITEC course
- If your GPA falls to 2.5 or below at any point of time, continue to work harder as only the final grade will be
taken into account
- Feel free to speak to your class advisors any time during your school year if you require help with your studies
08
9. CAN FEMALES APPLY FOR THE NPESA?
- Of course they can! The NPESA recognises all students with good attitudes, who display outstanding calibre and
show a keen interest in PE
10. HOW/WHEN CAN I APPLY?
- To request for an application form:
- call, text or WhatsApp the NPESA hotline at +65 9613 7175
- email npesa@edb.gov.sg or
- speak to your class advisor
MY CAREER IN PRECISION ENGINEERING (PE)
1. CAN I JOIN ANOTHER INDUSTRY AFTER COMPLETING MY EDUCATION?
- NPESA holders are expected to work for two years in PE-related industries upon completing their studies and
National Service (where applicable)
- Examples of related industries are Marine and Offshore, Oil and Gas, Medical Technology and Aerospace
Machining
2. WHAT CAN I EXPECT MY STARTING SALARY TO BE?
- Starting salaries for fresh NITEC graduates will differ from company to company
- A typical starting salary for a fresh PE NITEC graduate is approximately S$1,600 per month
3. WHAT IS A MASTER CRAFTSMAN?
- In line with the government’s focus on deepening skills and knowledge, the Precision Engineering Master
Craftsman (PeMC) Programme was launched by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) with support from the Singapore
Economic Development Board (EDB), SPRING Singapore and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency
- PeMC is a two-year, part-time course conducted by NYP. Upon completion of the course, participants are
awarded two Diplomas: WSQ Diploma in Precision Engineering (Master Craftsmen Skills) and the WSQ Specialist
Diploma in Precision Engineering (Master Craftsmen Skills)
- Graduates of the PeMC programme may be nominated by their companies to be certified by the Singapore
Manufacturing Federation as Master Craftsmen at least one year after graduation
- More information can be found at the NYP website: http://www.nyp.edu.sg/seg/continuing-education-n-training-
cet/wsq-diploma-in-precision-engineering-master-craftsman-skills
4. WHAT CAN I EXPECT MY SALARY TO BE AS A MASTER CRAFTSMAN?
- Salaries will differ from company to company
- A typical starting salary for a Master Craftsman after obtaining industry certification is minimally
S$3,500 per month
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