Abstract

Experienced and highly skilled essential tradespeople; including plumbers, electricians, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation mechanics; often grapple with the issue of low wages and a negative association that their jobs are depicted as 'dirty, dangerous and demeaning’. These challenges, coupled with low fertility rates and an ageing population, hinder the recruitment of younger local workers to fi­ll the gaps left by retiring tradespeople.

This study seeks to provide insights into professionalising skilled essential trades and establishing a strong local core of skilled tradespeople in Singapore.