ITE and ST Engineering Open Engine MRO Training Facility in Singapore

ITE and ST Engineering Launch Advanced Engine MRO Training Facility in Singapore

Singapore, 15 May 2025 – The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and ST Engineering have strengthened their collaboration in aviation training with the inauguration of a cutting-edge facility dedicated to aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). The Onboarding Aviation Skills, Knowledge and Innovation Learning Laboratory (Onboarding@SKILL), officially opened at ITE College Central by Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry & Culture, Community and Youth, represents a significant advancement in aligning academic instruction with industry requirements.

A State-of-the-Art Training Environment

Onboarding@SKILL is designed to accommodate over 380 students and trainees annually, offering a training environment that closely mirrors real-world MRO industry operations. The facility integrates advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR), robotics, additive manufacturing, and digital tools including electronic task cards. These innovations provide students with practical, hands-on experience using the same systems and equipment prevalent in leading aviation workplaces, thereby enhancing their readiness for professional roles.

The laboratory will primarily support students enrolled in ITE’s forthcoming three-year Higher Nitec in Aerospace Engineering course, scheduled to begin in 2026, alongside current trainees pursuing the Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) in Aircraft Engine Maintenance and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. By delivering focused, on-campus training, the facility aims to facilitate a seamless transition from education to employment within the aviation sector.

Formalizing Collaboration and Industry Integration

At the launch event, ITE and ST Engineering formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement commits both parties to ongoing collaboration in curriculum development, facility enhancement, and the provision of internship opportunities. ST Engineering will play an active role in co-developing simulation training packages, supporting ITE staff in delivering instruction, and offering industry attachments that enable staff to engage in joint projects. The MOU also establishes structured on-the-job training pathways and internships for ITE students, fostering their progression into fully qualified technicians within ST Engineering.

Mr. Jeffrey Lam, President of Commercial Aerospace at ST Engineering, emphasized the initiative’s importance in cultivating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

Implications for Singapore’s Aviation Training Sector

The launch of Onboarding@SKILL arrives amid increasing competition and potential market saturation within Singapore’s aviation training landscape. Industry analysts suggest that the facility’s advanced technological capabilities and substantial training capacity may set a new standard, encouraging competitors to elevate their offerings or pursue strategic partnerships. Market response has been predominantly positive, with particular focus on the facility’s potential to enhance training quality and better align graduate competencies with industry needs.

This collaboration between ITE and ST Engineering highlights a shared commitment to nurturing future-ready talent and sustaining Singapore’s status as a leading regional hub for aviation excellence.