Press Release - Technical Engineer Diploma (TED) in Machine Technology Graduates showcase innovative inventions for industry

Among 13 projects on display, two were jointly undertaken with students from Germany’s Gottlieb-Daimler Schule 1 and the Shanghai Technician School

The 10^th batch of ITE’s Technical Engineer Diploma (TED) in Machine Technology students will soon graduate from the course. The first of ITE’s Diploma, the TED in Machine Technology has produced over 300 successful graduates since it started in 2008. This year, 42 graduating students demonstrated their skills and knowledge via 11 innovative projects at the annual TED in Machine Technology Project Fair. Another two projects displayed were the result of collaboration with students from Gottlieb-Daimler Schule 1 (GDS1), Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and the Shanghai Technician School. From brainstorming and conceptualisation to design and production, the students have spent the last nine months labouring over their innovative works. Information on the TED programme can be found at the Annex.

Judged by a panel represented by industry members, two top projects won the Most Outstanding Project Award and the Most Innovative Project Award. Winner of the Most Outstanding Project Award, the team behind the Centre-alignment Jig for Motor Assembly project worked with Carrier Transicold (S) Pte Ltd to enhance the way air-conditioner units for containers are made. The students created a new jig to align motor shafts to housing brackets in a faster way. The new jig allows the alignment of two axes at one go, which increases productivity, compared to the previous jig that can only align one axis at a time. The parts for the new jig are also easily replaceable and adaptable for use with brackets of different sizes.

The students behind the Mechanised Part Receptacle System took home the Most Innovative Project Award. Collaborating with BAUMANN Spring Co (S) Pte Ltd, the team created a system where springs that have been produced by the coiling machines can be collected in a more efficient way. Currently, trays are used to collect springs from the coiling machines. Once the pre-set quantity of springs is reached, the machine stops and the operator must change the tray before production resumes. The students have now created a diverter to guide springs automatically from one tray to another. This means the operator need not change one tray at a time. The new system allows the machine to continue production until two trays are filled. With the reduced machine stop time and reduced worker fatigue, productivity is improved.

Close Collaboration with Industry

At the Fair, Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, witnessed the signing of a Letter of Collaboration between ITE and the Singapore Precision Engineering and Technology Association (SPETA). The signing ceremony signified the renewal of the partnership between both parties. Under the partnership, ITE and SPETA will work together to transfer knowledge and promote new technologies (including Industry 4.0) in Precision Engineering. This includes the provision of up to 200 internship places, the facilitation of learning journeys to SPETA’s member companies, and the sharing of knowledge by industry experts among other opportunities.

For queries, please contact:

Ms Jamie Chan
Head/Media
ITE Tel: 6590 2026
Email: jamie_chan@ite.edu.sg

Issued on 28 Feb 2019

Annex

INFORMATION ON THE TECHNICAL ENGINEER DIPLOMA (TED) IN MACHINE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME

The introduction of the first ITE Diploma, the Technical Engineer Diploma in Machine Technology, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Baden Württemberg, Germany, was announced at the ITE Graduation Ceremony 2007. Under this initiative, ITE has been working with Gottlieb Daimler Schule (GDS), to provide training in ITE leading to the Technical Engineer Diploma.

Rationale

• To produce highly skilled and specialised manpower to support the demand for Precision Engineering technologists in support of Singapore’s machinery and systems manufacturing cluster – an area of high growth identified by the Economic Development Board.

• To provide more progression pathways for ITE graduates.

Collaboration Background

In June 1991, ITE signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish bilateral co-operation with the Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports (MEYS), Baden Württemberg, Germany. The MOU was renewed for the fourth time in 2012. At the MOU Signing in 2006 in Germany, Mr Gan Kim Yong, then Minister of State for Education & Manpower, suggested that ITE explored possible areas of collaboration to jointly offer courses leading to certifications that could articulate into the German universities of Applied Sciences.

Implementation date of TED in Machine Technology

April 2008

Training Mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years of College-based training and 1.5 years of work experience

Course Venue

ITE College Central

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Technical Engineer Diploma in Machine Technology course need to be Singapore Citizens with the following ITE qualifications:

For other Engineering courses, applicants are required to meet minimum GPA and have at least 2 years of work experience in the precision engineering areas such as machining and machine assembly.

Progression Opportunities

Graduates of the TED in Machine Technology course will be eligible to apply for admission into the related NUS Bachelor of Technology Programmes, as well as universities of Applied Sciences in Germany. They may be admitted provided they meet the entry requirements specified for the course and university.

Career Prospects

TED graduates can look forward to a mean gross starting salary of $2,100. Some of the job titles held by Machine Technology graduates include Assistant Engineer and Supervisor. There are excellent opportunities for career development and advancements to supervisory positions and beyond.

Intake Capacity

50 students per year, subject to periodic reviews in accordance with industry requirements.

Course Approach and Curriculum

The TED in Machine Technology course has a very high practical content comprising laboratory work, assignments and project work. The course curriculum is modelled along that of “Staatlich Geprüfter Techniker” (or State Certified Technical Engineer) course conducted by Gottlieb- Daimler Schule.

Certification

The Diploma will be issued by MEYS and will be similar to the one awarded in Germany. TED Graduates will receive their Diplomas at ITE’s graduation ceremonies. ITE and MEYS will also issue a joint transcript to all graduates, reflecting the grades attained in the course.