INDUSTRIAL TRAINING BOARD (Graduations, and resignation of professional staff)

Mr Teong Eng Siong asked the Minister for Education, since the establishment of the Industrial Training Board in April 1973, (a) how many students have graduated from institutions of the Board, and whether they have been able to find suitable employment in industrial establishments; and (b) how many of the Board's training officers, instructors, etc., have resigned and the reasons for their resignations, and what steps his Ministry is taking to prevent further loss of these specialists.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Mr Ahmad Mattar) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, since the establishment of the Industrial Training Board in April, 1973, the total number of students who have graduated from ITB institutions is 4,173. Apart from those who are called up for national service, most of the graduates have been able to find suitable employment in industrial establishments through the placement service provided by the ITB in supplying names of graduates of various institutions to relevant industries for the purpose of offering employment. The only source where information on employment of graduates from ITB institutions can be obtained is through the response from the industrial sector in notifying the ITB when appointments are accepted by the graduates. However, information provided by this source does not reflect the correct position as industries concerned do not all notify the ITB when offers of appointment are made.

There were 823 professional staff on the establishment of the Industrial Training Board in April 1973. Since then, 41 officers have resigned. They comprise 30 Education Officers and training officers, seven workshop instructors and four workshop assistants. This constitutes 4.9 per cent of the professional staff. Most of the officers did not assign any reason for their resignation. It can, however, be surmised that they left because of better prospects in the private sector. Turnover of staff is to be expected in any organisation. The rate of resignation in the Industrial Training Board is not considered high. However, to keep the resignation rate as low as possible, various measures are being taken to make the service more attractive. These measures include a revised salary structure, accelerated increments for deserving officers and the conducting of more frequent promotion exercises.