• Home
  • News
  • People
  • Tips
  • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • People
  • Tips
  • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
LabourBeat
No Result
View All Result
Home News

MTQ: Investing in Employees Today for Tomorrow

by Avelyn Ng
April 25, 2018
in News
MTQ Engineering

(Photo Credit: MTQ Engineering)

Share on Facebook

May Day Awards 2018: Plaque of Commendation (Gold). MTQ Engineering is led by the belief that investing in its staff will always be key to overcoming challenges.

The marine industry is still struggling to recover from the slump caused by declining oil prices. MTQ Engineering, a solution provider for oilfield equipment and drilling contractor companies, has not been spared either.

Believing that its staff is the key to overcoming the challenges, they have been investing in them in various ways.

Redesigning Jobs for Mature Workers

MTQ had practiced re-employing its workers up to the age of 67 and beyond, long before the re-employment age was increased.

Managing Director Vincent Tan explained: “Being an older company, making best use of experienced manpower is a necessity and an advantage. Matured workers have the benefit of years of practical knowledge and experience which help to minimise errors and ensure a smooth operational flow.”

Established in 1969, MTQ has many employees that have stayed on in the company for more than 30 years.

To help older workers reduce mistakes, MTQ recently tapped on WorkPro’s Job Redesign Grant to implement drafting softwares that enable them to visualise the jobs’ specifications through 3D drawings.

Productivity Boost

In a bid to raise the productivity of its workers, MTQ utilised the Inclusive Growth Programme by NTUC’s e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) in 2012 to convert the traditional hand-welding process into a machine handling process. Once the Automated Welding Machine is programmed, minimal supervision will be needed.

MTQ also sent management representatives for the Operations Management and Innovation programme by Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in 2014. The methodology that was taught helped employees to review operations, identify issues and make improvements.

Working with SIMTech in 2015, MTQ implemented a Job Management System, which made use of code scanners to track job progress instead of manual sign offs, bringing greater accountability and accuracy. It benefited about 80 per cent of its 95 employees.

“The industry outlook is still very tough but improving… with the investment in training and processes, we will be well-placed to benefit from the industry’s recovery,” said Vincent.

Progressive Employer

Beyond adopting technologies and upskilling its workers, MTQ showed empathy during the rough patch in the industry when companies were cutting back on remuneration.

After hearing the ground sentiments from the Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Employees’ Union in 2015, MTQ agreed to give a nominal wage increase for rank-and-file workers and pay an annual wage supplement.

Tags: Mature WorkersMay Day Awards 2018ProductivityTechnology AdoptionTraining
ShareShareSend

Popular Posts

Coping with the Pandemic as a Freelancer and a Single Mother
People

Coping with the Pandemic as a Freelancer and a Single Mother

As a bowling instructor and a single mother, the COVID-19 pandemic hit Lynda Walter particularly hard. Here is how she...

Read more
“I’m Glad That I’m a Union Member”

“I’m Glad That I’m a Union Member”

For the Love of Family and Hockey

For the Love of Family and Hockey

Leaving Life Behind to Go on Living for Others

Leaving Life Behind to Go on Living for Others

A Switch from Meeting Deadlines to Making Soap

A Switch from Meeting Deadlines to Making Soap

Breaking the Mould:  Redesigning Jobs for Women, Too!

Breaking the Mould: Redesigning Jobs for Women, Too!

Driving Down the Road Less Travelled

Driving Down the Road Less Travelled

Latest Post

Unmanned Stores: The Final Nail in the Coffin for Retail Service?

Unmanned Stores: The Final Nail in the Coffin for Retail Service?

With Cheers launching their fourth unmanned retail outlet in Singapore, does that spell an end to manned retail service at...

Patrick Tay: Turn to Training to Move up and Move on from the Pandemic

Patrick Tay: Turn to Training to Move up and Move on from the Pandemic

Labour MP and NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay weighs in on the importance of training to safeguard upward mobility and...

The Cleaner Who is Happy and Proud

The Cleaner Who is Happy and Proud

Outdoor cleaner Jamaliah Salleh inspires with her positive attitude towards work and life.

ABOUT US

LabourBeat was started by publishing house Majority Media Pte Ltd in 2015 as a blog to underscore the voices, aspirations and experiences of workers in Singapore.

CATEGORIES

  • Help For Workers
  • News
  • Opinions
  • People
  • Tips

CONTACT

Feedback, News Tips & Media Pitches: editor@labourbeat.org

Marketing & Advertising: sales@labourbeat.org

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our latest stories

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

2020 Copyright © Majority Media Pte Ltd. Majority Media Pte Ltd is not responsible for the content of external sites.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • People
  • Tips
  • Opinions

2020 Copyright © Majority Media Pte Ltd. Majority Media Pte Ltd is not responsible for the content of external sites.