NTUC and CAAS launch new initiatives to support young Singaporeans entering aviation

Young Singaporeans entering the aviation sector can look forward to stronger career support, with the launch of two new initiatives by NTUC and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

The NTUC Aerospace and Aviation (A&A) Cluster Youth Chapter and the S$2.6 million OneAviation Early Careers Mentorship Programme announced on 18 May 2026 are part of the sector’s wider effort to attract, develop, and retain talent as air travel demand continues to rise.

The initiatives also come as Singapore prepares for the opening of Changi Airport Terminal 5 in the mid-2030s, which will increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity by about 50 million passengers.

Building a stronger youth network in aviation

The NTUC A&A Cluster Youth Chapter aims to provide targeted support for youth aged 35 and below who are already working in aviation companies, as well as prospective joiners such as students in aviation-related courses.

It is the first sector-level youth chapter established under a union cluster.

The youth chapter will take a ground-up approach by working with unions and sector agencies to design initiatives that meet the needs of young aviation workers.

Its work will focus on three areas: building a stronger sense of belonging through networking and peer support, helping young professionals navigate early-career challenges through workshops and career discovery programmes, and developing young union leaders through structured training and leadership opportunities.

Structured mentorship for early-career workers

The OneAviation Early Careers Mentorship Programme will support Singaporeans entering the aviation sector by helping employers provide structured mentorship during the early stages of their careers.

The tripartite programme was jointly developed by CAAS and NTUC, in close consultation with unions and other aviation employers. It will be funded by CAAS through its $200 million OneAviation Manpower Fund and managed by NTUC LearningHub.

Over the next five years, the programme aims to provide structured mentorship to 2,200 early-career workers. It will start with workers in ground handling and line maintenance operations, roles that are critical to the smooth and efficient running of the airport.

Participating employers will receive end-to-end support to develop and implement mentorship frameworks. This includes consultancy services to embed mentorship into onboarding processes, standardised mentor and mentee training, and playbooks and tracking tools to help companies measure impact and maintain quality.

SATS and SIA Engineering Company are the anchor companies participating in the programme. CAAS and NTUC LearningHub are also reaching out to other aviation companies to encourage them to join.

Supporting workers as Singapore’s air hub grows

The Singapore aviation sector employs more than 60,000 workers and offers a wide range of career opportunities for Singaporeans.

CAAS Director-General Han Kok Juan said the initiatives reflect Singapore’s strong tripartite spirit.

“The initiatives are testament to the strong spirit of tripartism we have in Singapore, which helps us overcome challenges, seize opportunities and take care of our workers. They are long-term investments which underscore our shared commitment to growing the Singapore air hub together and developing our people,” he said.

NTUC Deputy Secretary-General Cham Hui Fong said NTUC appreciates CAAS’ partnership in strengthening the talent pipeline and supporting career sustainability.

“With unions closely connected to workers on the ground, we bring insights on workforce needs and their feedback into sector-level discussions, ensuring workers will be supported as they enter the industry, navigate transitions, and progress in their careers,” she said.

She added that this support is especially important for first-jobbers as Singapore’s air hub expands and transforms through the adoption of artificial intelligence.

“With strong tripartite support, sector-specific efforts can deliver greater impact. NTUC will continue working with our OneAviation partners to support the air hub and the workers behind it,” she said.

Helping new workers find their footing

SATS Senior Vice-President and Head of Human Capital, Singapore Gateway Services APAC, Charis Cheng said the company is happy to be among the first to join the OneAviation Early Careers Mentorship Programme.

She said the programme will help new employees receive relevant guidance from day one, particularly in ground handling and in-flight catering operations, where precision, teamwork, safety and service excellence are critical.

SIA Engineering Company Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer Eleana Choy said mentorship is especially important in a technical field like aviation, where knowledge and experience take years to build.

“A mentorship programme tailored to our sector is a powerful way to pass that on, and to help new engineers and technicians build confidence from the start of their careers,” she said.

The two initiatives build on earlier tripartite efforts by CAAS, aviation companies, and unions to support aviation workforce development. These include OneAviation Careers fairs and tripartite platforms to drive workplace enhancement and manpower planning.

Together, the youth chapter and mentorship programme aim to give young Singaporeans entering aviation the networks, guidance, and confidence they need to build meaningful and sustainable careers in the sector.

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