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Since the launch of the National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) for our Pest Management Industry on 26 March 2004 by the then Minister for the Environment Mr Lim Swee Say, some 1,200 persons have undergone skills upgrading in 3 units of Competence (i.e. Prepare Pest Management Equipment, Treat Mosquito Infestation and Treat Rodent Infestation), conducted 53 classes. |
This Programme was designed to complement the knowledge-based training provided under the Vector Control Courses conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA), leading to Certification of Workers or Licencsing of Technicians as required by the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act.
This successful programme provided training at "entry level" for our industry and was the joint effort of NEA, Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), Singapore Environment Institute (SEI) and the SPMA.
The time has come to review and decide on the future direction of upgrading for our industry.
NEA is now working with Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and SPMA to re-vamp its Vector Control Courses with the objective of incoporating Skills Training for new recruits into our industry.
Meanwhile WDA has reviewed the status of NSRS for the Pest Management Industry and has decided to terminate the arrangements with effect from 30 November 2009. SPMA agree with and accept this decision, which was contained in WDA's letter dated 4 November 2009.
SPMA will now focus its effort on upgrading the Pest Management Industry through seminars, regional conventions and research projects with bodies likte the Universiti Sains Malaysia through our Technical Advisor Professor Lee Chow Yang and the Singapore Environment Institute (EHI).
We take this opportunity to thank our partners in NSRS, i.e. NEA, WDA, SEI for helping us design and implement this programme. We also thank our suppliers, especially Agro Technic Pte Ltd, Asiatic Agricultural Industries Pte Ltd, Bentz Jaz Singapore Lte Ltd and Outboard & Marine Pte Ltd for their support from the day this programme was started 5 years ago.
Finally, we must thank our SPMA members who participated. To the 19 companies that were accredited under our Skills-Upgraded Scheme, we say a special thanks because your support contributed greatly to the Scheme's success. |
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