In the world of marine and offshore engineering, Sembcorp Marine is definitely a top employer with its presence in the global market creating a wide range of job opportunities.

By Nathan Lum

Sembcorp Marine has come a long way since its incorporation in 1963. Currently a key global player in the marine and offshore engineering industry, the company specialises in a full spectrum of integrated solutions in ship repair, shipbuilding, ship conversion, rig building, and offshore engineering & construction.

While anchoring itself for future growth, the firm prides itself on its commitment to fulfil the changing needs and aspirations of its employees working in its shipyards both overseas and locally. Aside from the five yards in Singapore, Sembcorp Marine also has operations located strategically in Indonesia, China, India, the US, Brazil and the Middle East.

A global reach
This global presence was one of the things that drew Lim Swee Hin to the company. “One of my friends told me about Sembcorp Marine, that it’s a reputable company which has good career prospects,” said the Trainer at Jurong Shipyard.

Under the two-and-a-half year Training Programme sponsored by Jurong Shipyard in 2001, Swee Hin earned a National ITE Certificate in Metal Fabrication. More recently in 2008, he graduated with a Diploma in Marine Offshore & Technology from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, also sponsored by the company. “My studies did not affect my work as I studied part-time; I worked during the day and studied during the night,” explained the 29-year-old.

For Nor Suhada, it was “the promising prospects” that attracted her to the company. After graduating from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Tampines, Suhada joined Sembawang Shipyard, considering it to be a great stepping stone for her career.

The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design graduate who is currently studying part-time for a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic has always had an eye on the marine and offshore industry as it “is a key growth sector with abundant opportunities for career development.”

Fulfilling and rewarding careers
A typical day at work sees Suhada assisting engineers in drafting, sometimes going on board vessels for ship inspections and verifications. Explained Suhada, “I have to inspect the installation of pipes and equipment on board and ensure that they tally with the planned layout.”

Swee Hin on the other hand conducts classroom lessons and practical training for new workers. “I have to make sure that the workers meet both the national and the shipyard’s quality and safety standards after graduation,” he expressed.

Careers at Sembcorp Marine are fulfilling and rewarding; both Swee Hin and Suhada have received promotions since joining Sembcorp Marine. Swee Hin began as a trainee attached to the shipyard’s pipe-fitting department in 1998 and completed his training in 2000. He was later promoted to Technical Engineer in 2002 where he led a team and played a significant role in completing the piping and outfitting of the yard’s groundbreaking construction of two highly sophisticated, deep drilling semi-submersible rigs.

His sound technical skills and ability to nurture and provide guidance to his team were instrumental in his selection to become a Trainer. To gear him up for his new role, relevant instructional and skills training were provided by the company’s Human Resource Department.

Suhada started out as a Draughtsman in April 2006 and has since been promoted to an Engineering Assistant in January this year. To further enhance her competency, she was offered appropriate and relevant training courses to equip her with key technical skills, including the use of Tribon, a 3D naval architecture program.

Satisfaction guaranteed
Suhada describes her working environment as a “friendly, nice and conducive” one. Even so, difficulties and challenges are expected as with any other job and for her, it’s ensuring high standards of precision and accuracy while performing quality checks on piping systems of ships under her charge.

“Each ship has a different build and the piping system will have to be modified accordingly. I will have to research and cross-reference similar piping systems or ask the engineers for guidance in order to complete the task at hand,” she explained.

However, Suhada takes satisfaction in being able to see her drawings come to life as the pipes and systems are constructed and thereafter installed on-board vessels. To her, working alongside international offshore drilling company Transocean on the deepwater drillship Discoverer 534 had certainly put things in perspective as the most memorable of her projects. “It was the first ship that I worked on and I learnt a lot through this project,” recalled Suhada.

For Swee Hin, the performance of his trainees as they carry out actual work serves as satisfaction milestones. “Seeing my trainees perform well in their field site and contributing to the successful completion and delivery of projects makes my job gratifying,” he enthused.

Having trainees from countries as far as India and Burma, proper communication is a major challenge for Swee Hin. However, he patiently ensures that they understand his lessons even if this means that a translator is required.

“Work hard and learn”
Over the years, Sembcorp Marine has certainly built a reputation for itself in the marine and offshore industry to become one of the top choices for ITE graduates.

To ITE graduates who are contemplating plotting their own course in this industry, Suhada advises them to “be competent and well-versed in their course materials because the job market expects us to know more than the foundation that school has provided.”

“Be mentally strong and be willing to work hard and learn,” says Swee Hin; wise words indeed for anyone embarking on a fresh career.

Click here for jobs in Chemical Engineering!

Click here for jobs in Electrical Engineering!

Click here for jobs in Electronics Engineering!

Click here for jobs in Mechanical Engineering!

Click here for jobs in Engineering – others!

Click here for jobs in Civil Service/Military!