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SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) In

Advanced Surface Engineering (ASE)

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About the Programme

Introduction

Introduction

The SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP) is an initiative by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) agency to help individuals in career transition by acquiring industry-relevant core competencies.

This Train-and-Place programme allows the trainees to attend training courses and other immersive learning activities, in addition to access to career advisory services and employment facilitation, while earning recognised certificates.

The SCTP trainees will attend classes, hands-on labs and other immersive learning activities to earn Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Statement of Attainments (SOAs) or other certificates.

We deliver through

  • Relevant and timely case study-based curriculum
  • Hands-on practical training combined with industry Best Practices insights
  • Access to cutting-edge technology developed by SIMTech experts
  • Regular sessions conducted in our state-of-the-art labs
  • Blended learning options combining expert classroom lectures and e-learning convenience

What we offer for individuals

What we offer for Individuals

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Career Advisory Services

  • Placement facilitation support including job referrals, interview opportunities and career coaching
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6-month* part-time training programme

  • Train-and-Place Modality
  • Industry-focused curriculum
  • Can continue to work

* The total duration of the SCTP programme may be slightly different with/longer than 6 months for some intakes. Please refer to the actual course calendar of the intended intake before signing up.

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Course Fee Funding Support

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV), interview and partners workshops
  • Up to 95% subsidies for Singapore Citizens, SPRs, LTVP+ Holders
  • SkillsFuture Credit eligible

Application Process

Application Process

Application Process Flow

Programme Overview

Surface treatment and coatings are key technologies for enhancing many engineering tools or components to meet the desired functional performance, aesthetics, resistance against wear and corrosion as well as high fatigue life, so as to maximise the economic benefits for businesses. With recent advances in materials and processes, surface treatment and coating technologies are playing an increasingly important role in realising new engineering breakthroughs in almost all the industry sectors, including precision engineering, aerospace, marine and offshore, oil & gas (O&G), medtech, microelectronics, civil and construction, home appliances, food and beverage, water and waste treatment. Furthermore, in line with digitalisation towards Industry 4.0, surface technologies are also moving towards the implementation of smart processes, with automation, digitalisation, and data analytics to transform operations for maximum productivity, quality and business outcome.

The programme aims to train participants with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to embark on advanced surface engineering technologies, including surface cleaning and modification, surface manufacturing process, surface characterisation methods, as well as process/product quality control and management.

This programme is offered in a part-time mode. The duration of completion is expected to be within a 6-month period.

Objectives

The programme aims to provide the participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the field of advanced surface engineering. The course is designed to equip participants with the ability to analyze and evaluate the surface properties of materials and the techniques used to modify them for specific applications. With in-depth training, participants can enhance their employment prospects and advance their careers by gaining a valuable set of skills and knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of surface engineering. The programme will cover various topics, including surface engineering, coating development, corrosion analysis, and surface analysis techniques. It will also include hands-on project-based sessions to ensure the participants can apply what they learned in real-world scenarios. Overall, the programme aims to provide the participants with a solid foundation in surface engineering and characterization to prepare them for better job opportunities in the future.

List of Modules

  • Technical Skills Modules ("LEARN & PRACTISE")

Apply Surface Enhancement and Finishing Technologies (40 hours)

INTRODUCTION

This module introduces participants to the fundamentals of mechanical surface enhancement processes including rolling, peening, burnishing, mechanical finishing processes (eg. vibratory bowl finishing, drag finishing, abrasive flow machining, magneto-rheological finishing and grinding), and laser surface texturing, marking, peening and annealing for functionalities. Participants will gain a solid understanding of the surface enhancement and finishing processes, and the issues of surface treatment effect on the work substrates. Participants will also be guided through hands-on project-based sessions on real-world industrial topics using SIMTech equipment and instruments to further enhance their understanding of surface enhancement and finishing technologies for production implementation.

What You Will Learn

Understanding Fundamentals of Surface Enhancement and Finishing Technologies Relevant to Manufacturing

  • Rolling, peening, burnishing for surface enhancement
  • Vibratory bowl finishing, drag finishing, abrasive flow machining, magneto-rheological finishing and grinding for surface finishing
  • Laser surface texturing, marking and laser peening for surface functionalities
  • Laser surface polishing, laser cleaning for surface finishing

Practical Application of Surface Enhancement and Finishing Technologies through Project-based Learning on:

  • Mechanical surface enhancement
  • Mechanical surface finishing
  • Laser surface treatment for improving surface functional properties, e.g. wettability, tribology
  • Laser polishing and cleaning for repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing

Find out more

Apply Advanced Coating Technologies for Corrosion and Wear Protection (42 hours)

Introduction

This module aims to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills on using advanced coating technologies for corrosion and wear prevention. It covers electrochemical, sol-gel, and plasma-based coating processes together with applications in corrosion and wear prevention. This module is structured with lectures and lab demonstrations conducted in SIMTech’s process-and-testing laboratories. During practical (hands-on) sessions, participants will get to work on a relevant project of choice under the coaching of topic experts to apply the knowledge and skills learnt to address actual industry problems.

What You Will Learn

Understanding Fundamentals of Surface Enhancement and Finishing Technologies Relevant to Manufacturing

  • Rolling, peening, burnishing for surface enhancement
  • Vibratory bowl finishing, drag finishing, abrasive flow machining, magneto-rheological finishing and grinding for surface finishing
  • Laser surface texturing, marking and laser peening for surface functionalities
  • Laser surface polishing, laser cleaning for surface finishing

Practical Application of Surface Enhancement and Finishing Technologies through Project-based Learning on:

  • Mechanical surface enhancement
  • Mechanical surface finishing
  • Laser surface treatment for improving surface functional properties, e.g. wettability, tribology
  • Laser polishing and cleaning for repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing

Find out more

Review Coating Failure Prevention and Coating Improvement (42 hours)

introduction

This module highlights frequent coating failures and methods of recognising them. Various types of failure will be discussed in detail through examples. Participants will be trained on the general framework of coating failure analysis in order to acquire the skill of identifying the root cause of specific coating defects. Various approaches to mitigate coating failures, such as wet chemical coatings, paints, electro deposited and vacuum process deposited coatings will also be covered. In-depth learning will be aided by discussions on case studies and laboratory practices which will be customised to the field of work or interest of participants.

What you will learn

Coating failures: Identification and mitigation

  • Effect of substrate on coating quality (physical and chemical properties, surface roughness, thermo-mechanical properties)
  • Effect of coating-substrate interface
  • Causes of low wear or scratch resistance
  • Coating problems due to process variations
  • Coating failures resulting from formulation variation

Project work for coating failure evaluation and coating improvement

  • Paints and wet chemical coatings
  • UV cured coatings
  • Electrochemical deposited coatings (plating, anodizing)
  • Vacuum process deposited coatings for wear resistance

Find out more

Implement Fundamental of Corrosion and Corrosion Prevention (42 hours)

introduction

Corrosion is a multi-disciplinary issue affecting almost all industrial sectors. Losses due to corrosion are enormous and the economic impacts are significant, highlighting the dire need for proactive approaches to corrosion prevention and control. However, lack of knowledge and experience in corrosion and corrosion protection in the local technical community remains one of the main obstacles to effective actions in the industry. This module is designed to cater to local industrial needs with basic fundamental knowledge, correct industrial practices and corrosion assessment tests and protocols. It is organised to be interactive with case studies workouts and hands-on sessions.

Why This Course

The module equips participants with the basic knowledge and skills critical for the evaluation of real-time corrosion-related issues and for specifying pertinent remedies/preventive approaches to combat the problems. This will help them to not only upgrade their professional skills, but also enhance their career growth opportunities.

For companies, the benefits of having a more knowledgeable workforce are three-fold: It would help reduce potential operational failures/damages, improve overall efficiency, and increase operational savings.

Find out more

Materials Characterisation (45 hours)

introduction

The manufacturing industry faces a wide range of challenges to maintain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic marketplace. The ability to accurately characterise materials, test components and appropriately analyse the test results for problem-solving can help companies to reduce design cycles and R&D time, solve process problems, as well as improve product quality. This course is designed to provide participants with the core knowledge and skills needed to effectively apply advanced analytical tools and techniques in materials characterisation and testing of materials formulation, process development, failure analysis, and production quality control applications.

What you will learn

Metallography and Failure Analysis
  • Metallographic sample preparation and optical microscopy
  • Practical Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • X-ray microanalysis
Plastics and Composite Material Characterisation
  • Thermal analysis and rheological testing
  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and raman spectroscopy
  • Mechanical testing
Thin-film Coating Characterisation
  • Microhardness, nano-indentation and adhesion strength test
  • Optical properties and thin film thickness measurement
  • X-ray analysis for thin film structure and residual stress
  • Material characterisation techniques and applications in precision engineering industry

Find out more

Practical Module ("Implement")

Project-based Training for Implementation (80 hours)

introdction

This project-based module provides opportunities for the participants to embark on an industry project either in-house at SIMTech or project defined by participating company.

Certifications

Certifications

There are 6 modules for completion under the SCTP In Advanced Surface Engineering course.

Participants will be awarded a WSQ Statement of Attainment certificate (SOA) for passing each individual module listed below:

  • Apply Surface Enhancement and Finishing Technologies (40 hours)
  • Apply Advanced Coating Technologies for Corrosion and Wear Protection (42 hours)
  • Review Coating Failure Prevention and Coating Improvement (42 hours)
  • Implement Fundamentals of Corrosion and Corrosion Prevention (42 hours)
  • Materials Characterisation (45 hours)
Participants will be awarded a SIMTech Certificate of Attendance (COA) for passing the individual module listed below:
  • Project-based Training for Implementation (80 hours)
Note:

Participants will be awarded with a certificate for each individual module, if they meet the following criteria:

  • Achieve at least 75% course attendance;
  • Take all assessments; and
  • Pass the course.
Sample: Statement of Attainment (SOA) CertificateSSG SOA

Programme Fees

Programme Fees

 Before GSTAfter GST
Full Course Fee$19,000$20,520
Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and LTVP+ Holders aged 21 years and above ¹ $5,700$6,156
Singapore Citizens aged 40 years and above ² $1,900$2,356
Singapore Citizens who are eligible for Additional Funding Support ³ $950$1,406
  • ¹ Eligible Singapore Citizens, SPRs and LTVP+ holders aged 21 years and above can enjoy a baseline subsidy of up to 70% funding of the course fee.
  • ² Singapore Citizens aged 40 years and above are eligible for up to 90% course funding under the Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES).
  • ³ Singapore Citizens who meet at least one of the following eligibility can enjoy up to 95% funding under the Additional Funding Support (APS):
    a. Long-term unemployed individuals (at least 6 months or more); or
    b. Persons with disabilities;
    c. Individuals in need of financial assistance - ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) recipients or Workface Income Supplement (WIS) recipients

Additional Information:

  • Long Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+) Holders
    The LTVP+ scheme applies to lawful foreign spouses of Singapore Citizens with (i) at least one Singapore Citizen child or are expecting one from the marriage, or at least three years of marriage, and (ii) where the Singapore Citizen sponsor is able to support the family.

    All LTVP+ holders can be identified with their green visit pass cards, with the word ‘PLUS’ printed on the back of the card.

    • Pre-Requisites

    Pre-Requisites

    • Only Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and Long-Term Visit Pass Plus Holder (LTVP+) aged at least 21 years old (based on the year of course commencement) who can commit to the SCTP courses on a part-time basis are eligible to apply.

    • Applicants should possess a degree in any discipline or a diploma with a minimum of 3 years of related working experience.

    • Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications are still welcome to apply, but shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview for special approval.

    Contact Us

    • For technical enquiries, please contact:
    Dr HE Wei,
    Research Scientist
    Email: hewei@SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg
    • For general enquiries, please contact:
    Mr GOH Chee Chien,
    Deputy Director (Industry Development)
    Email: gohcc@SIMTech.a-star.edu.sg

    Schedule

    Module
    		Skills Course Reference NumberExpected Commencement DateRegistration Status

    SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (STCP) in

    • Advanced Surface Engineering (ASE)
    		TGS-2023019464Successful applicants will be notified on the commencement date
    Apply Now to be a SCTP TRAINEE

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