SAESL Signs New Training Deals for Future MRO Technicians

Singapore Aero Engine Services Private Limited (SAESL) has announced four new Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening the pipeline of skilled technicians for Singapore’s aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector.

The agreements, signed 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), will create structured pathways into aerospace and MRO careers. These include specialised training modules, internships, traineeships, work-study programmes and hands-on industry experience for young Singaporeans.

Chris Pattinson, Chief Executive Officer of SAESL, said the partnerships address two critical needs: a steady supply of local talent and the continuous development of advanced technologies. “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.”

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Under the agreement with ITE, SAESL has committed to offer 30 Work-Study Diploma placements in 2027 as the starting point of a longer-term collaboration. Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer of ITE, described the move as an important step in aligning training with industry requirements. “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.”

Temasek Polytechnic already has a substantial track record with SAESL. Since 2021, TP has trained close to 600 SAESL trainee technicians, while the company has hosted 260 TP engineering students as interns. Mr Patrice Choong, Principal & CEO of Temasek Polytechnic, emphasised the need for a workforce that can keep pace with technological change. “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.”

The collaboration with A*STAR ARTC shifts the focus to technology development and industrialisation. The five-year partnership will concentrate on AI-native and autonomous inspection, assembly and disassembly solutions. It will also support local small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting and scaling advanced manufacturing technologies, thereby strengthening capabilities across Singapore’s wider aerospace ecosystem.

Dr David Low, Chief Executive Officer of A*STAR ARTC, noted the long-standing relationship between the two organisations. “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.”

Taken together, the initiatives are expected to support a future pipeline of up to 200 trainee technicians each year. This capacity will help SAESL meet its target of hiring more than 1,000 technicians over the next five years. The talent and technology programmes form part of SAESL’s broader S$242 million investment expansion and transformation programme. Key elements of that programme include 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 planned 40 per cent increase in operational MRO capacity.

The announcements underline SAESL’s dual strategy of growing its technical workforce while investing in the advanced capabilities required to remain competitive in the global MRO market. By linking educational institutions, research centres and industry under a coordinated framework, the company aims to secure both the people and the technologies needed to sustain Singapore’s position as a leading aerospace hub.