Skills for the future-ready workforce

Singapore – Bosch, through the Bosch Rexroth Training Centre (BRRTC), has launched its first Industry 4.0 programme in Singapore to train technicians and engineers to be ready for the factory of the future. The inauguration of the centre’s first training programme today with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), was witnessed by Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Education and Trade and Industry, together with Mr. Martin Hayes, President of Bosch in Southeast Asia, Mr. Roland Keller, Regional President of Bosch Rexroth in ASEAN & Oceania, Mr Ong Tze-Ch’in, Chief Executive of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and senior representatives from the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK), SP, EDB, and JTC.

This collaboration between Bosch Rexroth, SSG, AHK, SP, and JTC was commemorated last July for BRRTC to serve as a training hub to deliver industry relevant modules with SP.

Bosch Rexroth is a SkillsFuture Queen Bee company appointed in the area of advanced manufacturing. As a global employer and industry leader, Bosch Rexroth will anchor the needs of the industry with its sectoral knowledge resources and business networks. Bosch Rexroth will also bring to bear its ability to support other companies, especially SMEs, in their transformation efforts. It will also help to validate the relevance of skills training and provide global insights on the emerging jobs and skills required in the area of advanced manufacturing. These insights are weaved into the training curriculum which is jointly developed with SP and reinforced through Proof-of-Concept projects. This skills partnership between employers and training partners ensures that the skills training provided constantly stays in step with skills demand.

BBRTC will also deliver a standardised AHK Industry 4.0 Specialist programme to certify qualified individuals to be Industry 4.0 specialists. The standardised programme is built on German training standards and certified by the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Beyond training, the centre also serves as a test-bed for companies to collaborate on advanced manufacturing projects.

To better support business transformation towards advanced manufacturing and develop a pipeline of Industry 4.0 specialists for industries, BRRTC will also be moving into Jurong Innovation District (JID) early next year, an advanced manufacturing hub that offers a ready ecosystem of research institutes, technology and training providers, and advanced manufacturers. This offers close proximity to key partners and industry players, and will provide the centre a better position to gather momentum in innovation and address the industry’s need.

During the visit, Mr Chee sat in the inaugural class and interacted with trainees, some of whom are sponsored by their employers from various manufacturing sectors, such as precision engineering and petrochemical. Many of the trainees are mid-career individuals looking to upskill themselves in the areas of automation, industrial AI, and urban and mobility solutions. This is the first of many programmes that will be rolled out by BRRTC to employers and individuals to equip them with the skills for Industry 4.0 adoption.

Upcoming AHK Industry 4.0 Specialist Programme in partnership with Singaporean-German Chamber to shape connected manufacturing

Bosch Rexroth will also roll out an AHK Industry 4.0 Specialist programme in Q1 of 2021. Participants will learn to devise, select, and implement factory automation methods and technologies at the workplace. Covering five modules over a duration of 104 hours, the syllabus incorporates modern technology into existing operation, and agile working methods into theory, practical lessons as well as a final project.

The value of connected manufacturing and logistics has increased over the past years and has been additionally amplified during the recent coronavirus pandemic. “We are seeing more and more companies incorporate connectivity in their factory operation as it helps businesses agility. Connectivity offers new opportunities which we see thrive especially during these turbulent times,” said Mr. Roland Keller, president of Bosch Rexroth in ASEAN & Oceania.

For example, where the risk of infection makes physical proximity a challenge, shift handovers can be handled digitally. Digitalisation not only enables remote monitoring of systems and machines, but also allows for a higher transparency in the processes. Intelligent software can track goods and deliveries, and ensure replacement, from any location. Connected solutions will help make manufacturing and logistics more transparent, more efficient, more flexible, and increase simplicity and robustness.

In connected factories, the workforce is a key success factor. “Industry 4.0 calls for high tech-high touch trained experts. The new Industry 4.0 specialist qualification opens up new job opportunities, competencies, and attractiveness which further solidifies Singapore’s competitive edge as a strong manufacturing base and preferred investment destination in the region,” said Keller.

“Technology is ever evolving, and it is crucial for trainers to keep up-to-date with the latest industry developments. One of BRRTC’s main functions is to support trainers with technical and practical experience in the ever-expanding job requirements, and further shaping the future of collaboration,” added Keller.

The AHK Industry 4.0 Specialist programme will be conducted by experienced instructors from SP. These instructors have been certified by Bosch to be equipped with the latest knowledge and hands-on practical experience in Industry 4.0 machineries and software applications.

BRRTC aims to train about 1,500 participants and support 300 companies in the next five years. Individuals or companies interested to send their employees for training can reach out to SP at ptenquiry@sp.edu.sg .

Today’s inaugural run is conducted at Robert Bosch, while subsequent training programmes will be conducted at SP before BRRTC is set up at the Jurong Innovation District.

In light of the COVID-19 situation, all training sessions will observe safe management measures such as having not more than 20 individuals (trainees and trainers included) in each class and having trainees seated at least two metres apart. Trainees and trainers are required to wear masks at all times. Hand sanitisers and cleaning cloths are also provided. Temperature-taking, as well as frequent cleaning and disinfection of the training areas and any equipment will also be implemented.