Singapore, 9 October 2012 – Republic Polytechnic (RP), one of Singapore’s leading tertiary institutions, and aviation industry giant Pratt & Whitney today signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at training future aviation professionals to be industry relevant and industry ready. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).
With the anticipated future demand for manpower in the aviation industry, the MOU aims to nurture aerospace aspirants and promote a career for RP’s students in this sector.
Under the MOU, Pratt & Whitney will – through its five Global Service Partners’ Singapore-based facilities – provide internships and industrial attachments regularly to the polytechnic students for each year of the MOU. Additionally, the aviation giant will also develop a six-year fast track program, at one of its facilities, Turbine Overhaul Services Pte Ltd, for recruited graduates from the RP School of Engineering. During which, Pratt & Whitney will sponsor their Bachelor’s degree. Upon successful completion of the program, these hires will be converted to full-time salaried employees, providing Pratt & Whitney with a pool of qualified engineers as well as allowing RP students to enter the workforce quickly as competent, skilled engineers.
To further support RP students, Pratt & Whitney will further sponsor RP students through scholarships or book prizes. Pratt & Whitney will commence by sponsoring RP’s Gold Medal Award for the most outstanding graduate from the Aerospace Engineering program for every year for the duration of the MOU.
“Republic Polytechnic is confident that our students will gain tremendously from Pratt & Whitney’s wealth of experience as one of the world leading engine manufacturers, which is manifested in the plethora of hands-on opportunities pertaining to the repair and servicing of engine parts and components,” Mr. Seto Lok Yin, Deputy Principal (Industry Services) of Republic Polytechnic.
“With today’s MOU signing, we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Republic Polytechnic,” said Mr. William C. Kircher, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners’ Singapore Overhaul and Repair. “This MOU will enable Pratt & Whitney to actively engage Singapore’s young adults, and encourage the spirit of innovation in students. We’re pleased at the prospect to work with students, and stimulate the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in today’s workforce.”
About Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners
Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners is a total service provider for engines made by Pratt & Whitney, International Aero Engines, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and CFMI®. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries. Please visit www.pw.utc.com/oemro.
About Republic Polytechnic
The first educational institution in Singapore to leverage on Problem-Based Learning approach for all its diploma programmes, Republic Polytechnic (RP) has six schools and two centres offering thirty nine courses in Infocomm, Engineering, Applied Science, Technology for the Arts, Sports, Health & Leisure, Events and Hospitality, Enterprise, and Communication. Republic Polytechnic is committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial learning in an environment that develops problem-solving process skills and a life-long learning attitude. Its holistic, broad-based curriculum, covering culture, enterprise development and cognitive processes, prepares students for an active and meaningful role in society. Republic Polytechnic strives for excellence by achieving various international and national accreditations, including ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS 18001, TR19, People Developer Standards, Singapore Quality Class and Singapore Innovation Class.
For more information, visit http://www.rp.edu.sg
