Graduates Flock to Plumbing and Construction Sectors in Singapore

Increasing interest from graduates is reshaping Singapore’s blue-collar workforce, particularly in the plumbing and construction sectors. Trade associations report a notable rise in university graduates and diploma holders entering these fields, attracted by job stability and competitive salaries.

Rising Demand for Plumbing Qualifications

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Academy has experienced a growing waitlist for its nine-month plumbing and pipefitting certification course. According to Dickrose Masalamani, president of the Singapore Plumbing Society, this trend reflects a significant demand for plumbing qualifications. Applicants include graduates from mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering programs, drawn to the industry’s potential for stable employment and transferable skills.

“The waiting list shows the demand is there, and youngsters are coming onboard,” said Masalamani. He highlighted that even individuals without a diploma or degree are pursuing this career path. To qualify for the BCA program, candidates must possess at least three passes in GCE O-Level or N-Level examinations in English, mathematics, and a science or technical subject.

Upon completing the course, participants must gain at least two years of experience working under a licensed plumber to achieve accreditation. Masalamani noted that licensed plumbers can earn a starting salary of S$4,000 (approximately US$3,100), which is comparable to entry-level salaries for university or polytechnic graduates. The median gross monthly salary for fresh degree holders in Singapore in 2024 was S$4,500, while diploma holders earned around S$2,900.

Masalamani emphasized the value of plumbing licenses beyond immediate employment. “They can also become engineers in water treatment, waste treatment, and desalination,” he explained. “This industry is not a dying trade anywhere in the world. Water and sanitation are essential for all nations.”

Technology Drives Interest in Construction Roles

The construction industry is also seeing a surge in interest, particularly among younger workers attracted by technological advancements. The Singapore Contractors Association reported an increase in graduates pursuing careers in digital engineering, sustainability, and project management.

“With the industry’s push towards transformation and digitalization, new skillsets are highly valued,” stated Hong Wee Khong, chairman of the trade association’s manpower and policy committee. He noted a marked increase in roles related to Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotics, and construction analytics compared to two to three years ago.

Recent graduates like Rachel Teo, who earned her civil engineering degree from the Singapore Institute of Technology in 2023, have experienced swift employment opportunities. “Most of my peers got a full-time job quite fast, within one month after graduation,” said Teo, now a site engineer at United Tec Construction. “I think construction really needs fresh graduates like us.”

Despite these positive trends, Hong acknowledged that growth in the sector is slower than desired due to misconceptions about the industry. Many still perceive construction roles as limited to manual labor under tough working conditions. “There’s a lack of awareness of career progression opportunities,” he noted, highlighting pathways from engineering to project management and even director roles within major firms.

As the construction sector continues to embrace digitization, Hong anticipates increasing interest in innovation and environmental responsibility roles. “Construction is not a fallback industry,” he asserted. “It’s a sector where young graduates can build a meaningful and impactful career.” By showcasing advancements in digital engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, the sector aims to attract a tech-savvy generation seeking fulfilling careers.