Singapore’s manufacturing workers are ageing. Here’s how to help them

Some may call this an opportunity and others may see it as a risk, but here is an important point to ponder: The average age of a manufacturing worker in Singapore is 50.

What this means is that workers who have remained in the manufacturing sector across these ups and downs are resilient individuals who have secured a substantial stock of skills and experience.In 1985, for example, Singapore experienced its first recession. Annual wages for a manufacturing worker fell from $16,073 that year to $15,193 in 1987. Employer Central Provident Fund contributions were cut by 15 per cent and a two-year wage restraint was introduced to keep the sector afloat.

Studies have been undertaken to help these workers. In October 2023, the United Workers of Electronics & Electrical Industries launched the Jobs Uplifting Through Skills & Training programme. The focus was on the training needs of local operators and technicians – the majority of whom are mature workers, aged between 41 and 60.

Imagine a manufacturing plant fitted with ergonomic aid devices, such as back or knee supports. Or collaborative robots , specifically designed to perform routine or physically demanding tasks with remarkable precision. These robots can take over repetitive and strenuous duties. This will not only reduce the risk of worker injuries but also free up human workers to focus on more complex and value-added responsibilities.

Some companies are trying to address this by helping their mature workers navigate an increasingly digitalised world and workplace. For example, when Thales DIS obtained automated mobile robots to transport batches of hard-disk drives to and from stations in the production area, it freed up its operators to upskill through learning basic programming to operate the robots.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Korda keeping it simple ahead of LPGA record attemptNEW YORK : American Nelly Korda is keeping it simple as she vies for a record sixth consecutive LPGA win this week at the Cognizant Founders Cup on a tricky course at Upper Montclair Country Club.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

'When are you coming home?' Motherhood through the eyes of 2 Indonesian domestic helpers in SingaporeThe point of Mother's Day is simple enough, to celebrate and honour the mother in the family. The act of mothering a child can become a shared responsibility within the household for a variety of reasons, such as women's participation in the workforce. In some families, this may equate to the hiring of foreign helpers. So the role played by...
Source: asiaonecom - 🏆 10. / 59 Read more »

'I never thought about leaving him': Maid becomes 'second mother' to autistic child for 15 yearsWhen Ms Rizza Pablo started working as a maid for the Lim family in 2009, it seemed like a simple enough job. However, things changed when Ms Cara van Miriah was told by her son Alex's pre-kindergarten teachers that he might have autism. He was five years old. 'His teachers told us he had a short attention span and was...
Source: asiaonecom - 🏆 10. / 59 Read more »

Work It Podcast: How older workers can add value to their companiesAn ageing workforce is taking shape so how can companies tap on their mature workers in a meaningful way?
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

New support scheme to help retrenched workers to be announced: MOMThe re-employment support scheme will help retrenched workers get back on their feet.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Workers' Party congratulates incoming Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, thanks Mr Lee Hsien Loong for serviceSINGAPORE — The Workers' Party (WP) on Wednesday (May 15) congratulated Mr Lawrence Wong as he prepares to take over as Singapore's Prime Minister from Mr Lee Hsien Loong.
Source: TODAYonline - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »