The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and ST Engineering today marked a new milestone in aviation training with the launch of a training facility for aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Named Onboarding Aviation Skills, Knowledge and Innovation Learning Laboratory (Onboarding@SKILL), the facility is the first of its kind focused on aircraft engine MRO developed in collaboration between an educational institution and ST Engineering.
Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, officiated at the launch of this new training facility at ITE College Central today.
Projected to train over 380 students and trainees annually, Onboarding@SKILL closely mirrors actual processes in the MRO industry, replicating core engine maintenance procedures to deliver industry-leading training. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and numerous smart technologies that are used by ST Engineering to enhance precision, efficiency and safety in its MRO operations. These include Augmented Reality (AR) tools, robotics, additive manufacturing and digital solutions such as electronic task cards.
This specialised training lab will serve as a vital bridge between academic training and industry requirements, providing a structured pathway for ITE students enrolled in the new three-year Higher Nitec in Aerospace Engineering course from 2026 onwards. Through hands-on training in Onboarding@SKILL and potential internships with ST Engineering, students will be fully equipped with relevant skills to pursue meaningful careers in aviation MRO.
Such skill acquisition also puts the students in good stead for progression to the ITE Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) in Aircraft Engine Maintenance and WSDip in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses. Current trainees undertaking these two WSDip courses will also use the facility for targeted in-campus training, thereby enhancing their technical expertise.
MOU on talent development partnership
At the launch, ITE and ST Engineering inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines plans for continued collaboration on curriculum development, facility enhancement and internship opportunities, underscoring a shared commitment to developing future-ready aviation professionals.
Highlights of the MOU include:
1. Support for the Facility
ST Engineering will collaborate with ITE to develop simulation trainingpackages to enhance learning of real-world MRO processes atOnboarding@SKILL. They will advise and support ITE staff in conductingtraining at the facility. ST Engineering staff may also provide guidance andfeedback to students and trainees during practical sessions, offering valuableopportunities for interaction with industry professionals.
2. Curriculum Development
ST Engineering will support the curriculum development for ITE’s WSDip inAircraft Engine Maintenance, WSDip in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering andthe Higher Nitec in Aerospace Engineering courses.
3. Staff Capability Development
ST Engineering will provide industry attachment opportunities for ITE staff. Staffon attachment could be involved in joint projects with ST Engineering.
4. Internships and Career Progression
ST Engineering will provide internships for ITE students from the Higher Nitec in Aerospace Engineering course. Students who are keen on a career with ST Engineering may opt to intern at the company for six months in Year 2 of their studies and another six months in Year 3. Upon completion of the Higher Nitec course, these students would have amassed up to a year of work experience with ST Engineering. If they then progress to the WSDip in Aircraft Engine Maintenance or WSDip in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses with ST Engineering, they will undergo a structured on-job-training pathway to become full-fledged technicians.
ITE and ST Engineering will jointly organise annual recruitment programmes, such as career fairs, career talks or recruitment drives. These include recruitment of ITE students and alumni by ST Engineering through the ITE WSDip programmes.
