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| BCA
officers taste life in the private sector |
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| BCA
officers are enriched by their work
attachment experience. |
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The Building
and Construction Authority (BCA) started a programme
that offers its officers a chance to experience
a one-year stint in the private sector. Two to
three officers are selected each year for attachment
to consultant firms in the construction industry.
Mooted by BCA’s CEO, the programme aims to
expose the officers to industry practices and to give them a taste of private
sector life. It also presents a chance for staff to broaden their experiences
and boost their overall development.
Ms Irene Ho, an engineer, was glad for the opportunity to work in the private
sector. During her attachment, she was involved in designing underground MRT
station structures and condominiums, as well as conducting checks on the structural
design of various schools.
She found her attachment experience helpful to her work. She explained: “My
current duty at BCA is to inspect dangerous buildings and to approve periodical
inspection reports. Through the attachment I gained a better understanding of
various structural systems. I can now easily identify crucial structural elements
and hence assess whether the defects are serious and whether they will affect
the overall stability of a building.”
She added, “The experience has also helped me to be more confident in making
decisions regarding structural issues.”
Another advantage of the programme is that the staff will learn to view the construction
industry from more angles and can then provide fresh perspectives for BCA. The
experience will enable them to understand the practices and problems faced by
the private sector.
Moreover, engineers will not only gain practical design experience in building
engineering but also establish a good industry network and learn about the latest
developments in the construction industry. Upon completing their attachment,
they will be in a better position to help recommend policies and resolve issues
in the industry with their new perspectives.
Said Senior Development Officer Jeffery Neng, “We are able to network with
various industry players like architects, project managers, contractors and even
construction-related authorities such as the National Environment Agency. Such
exposure has definitely helped me in understanding the industry better and in
working towards achieving BCA’s vision to develop an advanced and competitive
construction industry.” |
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By
Leong Ee Leng, BCA
Next: A new outlook
for teachers |
