The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced the launch of three new initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s aviation workforce. These initiatives, which will be co-funded by CAAS, are designed to reduce the time required for graduates to obtain professional licences, improve workplace environments, and support career development for newcomers in the industry. They are the first to utilise CAAS’ $200m OneAviation Manpower Fund, part of a larger $1 billion investment announced in March 2025.
With global air traffic expected to double by 2040, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, Singapore is poised to seize these opportunities. The aviation sector currently employs over 60,000 workers, and the opening of Terminal 5 is expected to create more jobs, including in emerging fields such as data science and sustainability. To support this growth, CAAS is enhancing recruitment efforts through local aviation fairs.
One of the key initiatives involves integrating professional training with undergraduate education, reducing the time graduates need to become work-ready. This will be achieved by streamlining curricula and adopting new instructional technologies. CAAS will collaborate with educational institutions and industry partners to ensure that training and licensing requirements are met without compromising safety and quality.
Additionally, CAAS plans to improve workplace environments at Changi Airport and Changi Airfreight Centre. A study, set to begin in April 2026, will explore enhancements to infrastructure, transport accessibility, and worker amenities, with a focus on high-impact improvements.
To further support career development, CAAS will introduce a mentorship scheme in collaboration with the NTUC Aerospace and Aviation Cluster and key employers. This programme aims to facilitate skills transfer and help new entrants navigate their career paths within the aviation sector.
Further details on these initiatives will be released throughout the year.
