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4,000 More Jobs To Be Available Next Year; Here Are The Details Simplified For You

2020-08-29 , 4:31 pm

While the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t taken as many lives here as some of the harder-hit countries, many residents have lost their jobs, or have been forced take pay cuts.

Here at Goody Feed, for example, we are now paid in Thumbs-Up emojis, which isn’t exactly useful when you’re trying to buy food or pay rent.

Boss: Do you want me to fire you and take all those emojis away?

Oh no no, I value those emojis more than actual cash.

Boss: Good employee

For the rest of us though, all we can do is hope that the authorities create more opportunities for us before the situation gets too dire.

Fortunately, that’s exactly what they plan to do.

4,000 More Jobs To Be Available Next Year

Over the next year, 4,000 jobs will be created in the environmental services, food and agri-food industries, including positions such as professionals, managers, executives, technicians (PMETs), and rank-and-file workers.

Earlier, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said that 55,000 jobs are expected to be created in the next decade, as the country pursues sustainable development.

So, what kind of jobs will be available?

Agriculture

According to The Straits Times, skilled jobs will be created in the high-tech agriculture and aquaculture sectors, including posts such as:

plant scientists
agronomists
aquaculture specialists

At the moment, Singapore produces less than 10% of its food, but the government plans to raise this to 30% by 2030.

With the disruption of global supply chains, the government is looking to shore up the country’s food security.

You might also be interested in this video about how Singapore actually get its food. We’re very proud of this video; it’s the first time we managed to get a normal-looking human being on screen. #SorryThatGuyBoon

Environment

There will also be opportunities for highly-skilled workers in the engineering, science, and environmental management industries, as Singapore aims to strengthen its waste management and recycling sector.

Fu’s ministry will focus on upskilling cleaning and waste management professionals too, so they can take on more specialised roles in disinfection, recycling, or waste treatment, reported ST.

In addition, scholarships will be offered in areas such as climate adaptation and climate science, to prepare the workforce for sustainability challenges in the future.

And in an effort to raise hygiene standards amidst Covid-19, “food safety guardians” will be appointed at food establishments.

Who wants to bet it’s something like SDA, except it’s for SG Clean?

Openings for Rank-and-File Workers

Rank-and-file workers (non-management, lower-level employees), will get opportunities to learn new skills as well, so they can take on more specialised roles with improved salaries and career prospects.

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said it would achieve this through the implementation of new initiatives, including a new course on environmental infection control in non-healthcare facilities.

Focus on Climate Change

As for the next decade, the government will promote growth in green industries, as the country tackles the threat of climate change.

“We will push for a green recovery from Covid-19, to support a competitive transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. We will promote green growth, ride on opportunities from decarbonisation and grow green industries such as carbon services and climate science”, Fu said.

At the end of this year, for instance, the Climate Science Research Programme Office will be established to design a national climate science research masterplan.

This, in addition to being a necessary response to environmental threats, will create new jobs for Singaporeans as well.