With only secondary 2 education, Kim Siong worked as an odd-job welder for most of his career. It was a tough job with irregular salary. Kim Siong decided to have a full time job so as to provide stable income to meet his family’s needs. He approached NTUC Careerlink for job referrals. He was invited to attend the Marine Job Preparation Exercise (JPE) to learn more about the job opportunities in Marine industry and referred to Keppel Shipyard for interview. He was hired by Keppel Shipyard as a full time welder. Performance and leadership aptitude quickly recognized and 3 months later, he selected to take up a 2 year trainee supervisor training programme under the “ASMI Super V” scheme. This was one of the initiatives under the Job Re-creation programme developed by NTUC, WDA and Association of Singapore Marine Industries (ASMI). During the training period, Kim Siong went through 2 months of basic welding practical training to attain Skillls Evaluation Training Test Level 1 in General Welding. Subsequently, he deployed to the Yard for on–the-Job-Training and completed a 10-month theory and practical training for Skills Evaluation Training Test Level 2 in Welding. Kim Siong successfully completed his National ITE Certificate (NITEC) in Welding in December 07. In addition, he further improved himself through various upgrading courses such as Visual Inspection course, Forklift License and Rigger Course. Kim Siong became a full pledged trainee supervisor in January 08, earning a basic salary of $1,450 and draws a gross monthly salary of $2,200. He is well respected by his superiors and colleagues and is often commended for his performance and ability to mentor his new and younger counterparts. |
