SAESL announces new training deals for future MRO techs

Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) announced it is signing four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Republic Polytechnic (RP), Temasek Polytechnic (TP) and the A*STAR Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (A*STAR ARTC). Through its partnerships with ITE, RP and TP, SAESL will create meaningful pathways towards aerospace and MRO careers for Singapore’s young talent. This includes training modules, internships, traineeships, work-study programmes and hands-on industry experience. “Singapore’s aerospace industry will continue to depend on a strong pipeline of skilled local talent and continued development of advanced technologies. Through these partnerships, we are creating more opportunities for young talent to gain direct experience in aerospace MRO and build meaningful long-term careers in the sector. Our partnership with A*STAR ARTC will complement these efforts by advancing the technologies and capabilities needed to support the growing global demand for MRO. These initiatives strengthen the foundation for the next generation of aerospace professionals while supporting the long-term growth of SAESL and reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading global aerospace hub,” said Chris Pattinson, Chief Executive Officer, SAESL. “SAESL’s commitment to offer 30 Work-Study Diploma placements in 2027 marks the start of a longer-term partnership to develop aerospace talent. Through this partnership, our students will gain valuable workplace learning and career opportunities, with scholarships among the initiatives that will be introduced over time. Closer industry collaboration and staff attachments will also strengthen our training and help ensure that our curriculum remains aligned with evolving industry needs,” said Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, ITE. Since 2021, TP has trained close to 600 SAESL trainee technicians, while SAESL has hosted 260 TP engineering students as interns. “Technology will transform aerospace, but people will define its future. As MRO becomes more advanced and data-driven, we need a workforce that is adaptive, digitally fluent and grounded in strong engineering fundamentals. At Temasek Polytechnic, we see education and workforce development as one continuum — from early industry exposure to lifelong upskilling. Through our partnership with SAESL, we are bringing education and industry closer together to anticipate future capabilities and prepare people to thrive alongside emerging technologies. Together, we are not just preparing for the future of aerospace; we are helping to create it,” said Mr Patrice Choong, Principal & CEO, Temasek Polytechnic. SAESL’s collaboration with the A*STAR ARTC will focus on the development and deployment of advanced technologies including AI-native and autonomous inspection, assembly and disassembly solutions. This includes supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting and industrialising advanced manufacturing technologies, helping build local capabilities across Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem. “For over a decade, SAESL and A*STAR ARTC have demonstrated how applied innovation can create real industrial impact. This new five-year collaboration reflects our shared commitment to accelerate the deployment of next-generation MRO technologies, strengthen workforce capabilities, and advance Singapore’s aerospace ecosystem. Together, we look forward to working alongside SAESL to help establish Singapore as a global benchmark for innovation-driven industrial excellence,” said Dr David Low, Chief Executive Officer, A*STAR Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (A*STAR ARTC). Collectively, these initiatives are expected to support a future pipeline of up to 200 trainee technicians annually, contributing to SAESL’s plans to hire more than 1,000 technicians over the next five years. This continued focus on capability building, workforce development and innovation will support SAESL’s ongoing S$242 million investment expansion and transformation programme, including a new 26,000 square metre facility in JTC’s Loyang industrial estate scheduled for completion in 2027, expansion into Rolls-Royce’s existing premises at Seletar Aerospace Park, and a goal to increase operational MRO capacity by 40 per cent. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]