Written reply to PQ on Automotive workshop and technicians

Question

Mr Sharael Taha: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry given the rise in the number of electric vehicles and the setting up of the Singapore Motor Workshop Association Training Academy in December 2020 (a) whether we are on plan to train the 1,000 automotive technicians in Singapore to maintain electric vehicles as initially projected; and (b) how many automotive workshops have tapped on schemes such as Enterprise Development Grant and Enterprise Financing Scheme administered by Enterprise Singapore to build new capabilities to maintain electric vehicles and charging systems.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. We understand from the Singapore Motor Workshop Association (SMWA) that their Training Academy has trained around 100 automotive technicians to maintain hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) since January 2021. SMWA shared that their courses have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. However, alternative training providers in the same field are also increasingly available. SMWA is reviewing their plans on the number of automotive technicians to be trained. More broadly, government agencies such as the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) are also working with the Institutes of Higher Learning and the industry, to facilitate the upskilling of the workforce in EV maintenance roles.

2. Between December 2020 and September 2022, 13 automotive workshops have been awarded the Enterprise Development Grant to build new capabilities to maintain EV and charging systems. No automotive workshops have tapped on the Enterprise Financing Scheme for this purpose.