Scaling new heights in the working world

After completing his National Service, Jack Chong attended a career fair to explore his options. Armed with a Nitec in Mechatronics, Jack was keen to join the engineering industry. But he also felt it would be useful to have some form of structured guidance and mentorship to help him navigate the new and unknown working world. This led him to take up the Work-Study Diploma in Mechanical and Electrical Supervision in 2019, which he heard about at the career fair.

The ITE’s Work-Study Diploma caters to Nitec and Higher Nitec graduates. Participants are hired as full-time employees with a company, where they receive training and a monthly salary. They also spend about 20% to 30% of their time receiving off-the-job training at ITE, which leads to a diploma at the end of the programme.

For his attachment, Jack was attached to a local company, Techniques Air-Conditioning and Engineering Pte Ltd, as a site coordinator. His job involved conducting inspections and ensuring that the work was carried out in accordance to safety requirements. This work-study arrangement also helped Jack in his transition from classroom to the working world. For example, when he encountered a problem with the air-conditioners due to faulty electrical wiring, he could assist his colleagues by drawing on what he learnt in class about the installation process to suggest solutions.

Jack’s lecturers at ITE provided practical tips when he encountered challenges at work.

"Tackling pressing project schedules involving various stakeholders can get quite stressful… my lecturers would encourage us to build up healthy relationships with our employer, colleagues, and contractors, so we can communicate effectively with them."

His colleagues were also his pillar of support, spurring him on, and encouraging him not to give up.

Jack’s attention to detail, positive attitude coupled with strong communication skills helped him resolve tricky issues at work. One experience he recalls, was when an inspector highlighted defects in the repairs done by a subcontractor. He quickly relayed the message to his subcontractor and clearly explained the requirements that were not met. Thanks to his prompt response and effective communication, the problem was rectified and the project was able to proceed without delays.

"The Work-Study Diploma helped me to adapt to the work environment quickly and effectively."

Jack’s supervisors were so impressed with him that at the end of his course, he was awarded the top trainee in his cohort! Jack, now 25, was also promoted to the role of engineer and has since been entrusted with bigger projects.

For those who have just entered the working world, Jack’s advice is this: Don’t run away from hardships. Take time to study and resolve the problems you encounter, and most importantly, stay positive.

Photo & article by: Plus Collaboratives