About the iBuildSG Built Environment Formation Programme (iBEFP)
The iBEFP is an industry preparatory programme, recommended by the Built Environment SkillsFuture Tripartite (BEST) Taskforce. As internships are important avenues for students to better understand the built environment (BE) sector, a positive experience would cement their commitment to take on BE careers after graduation. The iBEFP, comprising training workshops, industry sharing sessions, learning journeys and simulation activities, aims to better prepare students for work during their internship and develop their curiosity and interest to take on meaningful tasks during internship. The programme, incorporated into the first 4 days of students’ internships, also helps students to understand the BE Industry Transformation Map (ITM) and to be job-ready through an induction to the BE sector. Since June 2020, iBEFP has been conducted virtually via zoom. The programme targets to benefit about 2,500 interns from FY19-23.
Programme Objectives
· Internship Preparation: Better prepare students for work during internship and understand the inter-disciplinary building processes involved in the sector
· Understanding BE ITM: Provide exposure to new transformation areas (Integrated Planning & Design, Advanced Manufacturing & Assembly and Sustainable Urban Systems)
· Inspire students for a career in the BE sector: Give students a better appreciation of the sector’s contributions in building and operating modern Singapore, so as to convey a higher sense of purpose and infuse excitement to join the BE sector
Conduct and Delivery of Programme
The iBEFP is an intentional, compact and interactive induction programme to the BE sector. With content co-developed by individuals throughout the BE spectrum, the programme gives participants a rich and insightful experience. It covers several key focus areas, namely history and background of the BE sector, ecosystem and challenges of the sector, professional pathways and competency development, as well as prospects and outlook. The programme is delivered through blended/virtual learning with the following learning modes:
a) Pre-programme e-learning
b) Interactive Activity/Collaborative Workshops
c) Industry Sharing/Dialogue
d) Learning Journey
e) Daily Reflection
Built Environment Future Leaders[1] and Young Leaders[2] are engaged to be anchor facilitators for the programme who stay with the participants throughout the 4-day period. In addition, representatives from relevant Trade Associations and Chambers (TAC), industry professionals and veterans also provide assistance in co-developing and co-delivering the programme.
iBEFP Runs
The inaugural run of the programme was organised from 2 to 5 Sep 2019 for interns from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) with the support of 22 internship firms and agencies.
Since then, the programme has benefitted more than 2,000 interns from NUS, NTU, SIT as well as the 5 Polytechnics and ITE, with about 180 participating internship firms and agencies supporting this programme.
[1] Future Leaders are iBuildSG Scholarship and Sponsorship recipients who are committed to pursuing BE career with passion for innovation & digitalization. They are also committed to personal development and participation in TACs or BCA/ industry events.
[2] Young Leaders are firm-nominated young leaders aged 35 & below, who demonstrate good business and leadership potential with good project track record, and are actively involved in TACs or industry committees. These young leaders are selected by the firms for their leadership potential.