Chemical engineering and technology students at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and four polytechnics will now be able to get a headstart in picking up industry-relevant certification before they enter the workplace.

This is because those on industrial attachments (IA) run by Petrofac Training Institute (PTI) will receive a certificate in chemical production process technology under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualification framework after successfully completing their attachments, potentially reducing the time they need to spend on on-the-job training in the future. This was made possible after a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Singapore Workforce Development Agency, PTI and the five educational institutes on Tuesday.

Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Health, said at the event on Jurong Island that the chemical industry is an important pillar of Singapore's manufacturing sector. "The alignment of the IA to the Process WSQ framework also provides our students with better employer and industry recognition of their skills and competencies."

Around 600 students from the ITE, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic undergo industrial attachments of six to 10 weeks at the Chemical Process Technology Centre in Jurong Island every year.