Reach Your Potential through Occupation Development By Mr Kenneth Yeo, K. H. Senior Licensed Aircraft Avionics Engineer, SIA Engineering Co Ltd Master Trainer, Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers

CLICK TO READ MORE ABOUT EACH LEVEL
Level 1	Trained
Level 2	Certified
Level 3	Established
Level 4	Accomplished
Level 5	Recognised
Level 6	Senior
Level 7	Lead
Level 8	Principal
Level 9	Coach, Trainer
Level 10	Mentor

1. Trained

We all started from here – the lowest level. Before we can take on a job, we need to be trained. Whether it’s just fresh out from school, or a first day at an organisation, we can perform a task or many tasks after receiving appropriate training. This would be your first occupation ‘qualification’.

2. Certified

Next, to prove that we have sufficient knowledge on the matter or that you can perform tasks satisfactorily, we all need to get that certificate - to get tested and passed! Once certified, you gain the trust from the organisation, affirming their confidence in your ability to handle the job you’re going to undertake. Another common word we used at this stage, is qualified. However, this may not be the same as being competent. As you can see soon, there’s more to just getting certified.

3. Established

So, after spending a few years on the job (and being qualified), you would have acquired good skills, or as people will term you – experienced. That means, you’re established. You have a satisfactory or good work record. It’s likely that you will be the choice for handling more challenging jobs, because you’re established! Your familiarity with the tasks assigned to you is the reason for the effective operation of the department.

Two examples I can provide in the aviation sector: the pilot and the aircraft maintenance engineer. Even after completing their training and getting certified, there is still much more knowledge to be acquired and familiarity to be developed. This will build their confidence and make error-free decisions when handling the airplane. Given time and practice, it is only natural that the day will come when they can handle any standard assignment effortlessly! People feel safe knowing that the airplane is under the care of established pilots and engineers.

4. Accomplished

To be accomplished, it would mean you’re proficient. Of course, you must have completed many significant assignments or several important tasks. If you’re an accomplished technician at your workplace, it means that you can handle challenging assignments well. If you are an accomplished receptionist at the hotel concierge, it means you can handle all enquiries with ease. This level of accomplishment is usually associated with majority of the workforce, or should we say, the midpoint of the (effective workforce) median distribution curve.

5. Recognised

At this stage, your name becomes synonymous with ‘big’ projects or matters that require urgent problem-solving. You are not only acknowledged for consistently delivering high-quality work, but also recommended by others. To be recognised means that you’ve become a professional.

6. Senior

After a while (usually a long while), you would have emerged amongst the ranks as someone who others consult. They will be asking you how best to do a job. Moreover, seniors set goals and standards for the others to follow. So, it’s not just about completing a task. It’s about meeting expectations from a senior. In aviation industry, ‘seniors’ are important to keep the team sharp and focused. Many aircraft engineers will testify that in their infancy stages, they are always being watched upon.

7. Lead

As you progressed from ‘seniorship’, you may realise that you begin to volunteer more and contribute unconditionally towards a group’s effort. You showed the way or method of how things are done effectively as others listened attentively and asked questions. Your peers and subordinates rely on your decisions to start work. In a project group, you become a consultant.

Having acquired experience in all aspects, you would have become a leader in your organisation. A senior amongst the seniors.

8. Principal

If you continue to aspire and inspire, it is likely you will eventually be a ‘unique’ individual who can direct, transform, manage or give expert advice on complex issues encountered by a team. It doesn’t necessarily imply that this level is based on a promotion or ranking exercise. It just means that you’re distinctive. Commonly used adjectives are: Chief, Head, Specialist, Subject Matter Expert (SME), Supervisor, Executive.

Translated into aviation roles, that person could be a Chief Pilot, Head of Avionics Team, Aircraft Network Specialist, Engine Operation SME, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Airplane Maintenance Planning Executive, etc.

9. Coach, Trainer

Teaching skills are quite different from performing skills. Being a Coach requires a special ability to bring a learner up to a certain standard. It takes practice and lots of research time to effectively coach or train a person, or even a team. This role is not confined to full-time instructors or lecturers at an institution. As an example, a senior engineer with the right skills can also fill this role to teach or educate a junior staff. Of course, a professional approach would involve attaining certain qualifications to teach or instruct.

10. Mentor

In reference to Maslow’s Hierarchy, perhaps this is the highest level of an occupation. A Mentor is someone who can be trusted to counsel and help shape the mind of an individual so that he/she can make the right decisions. Those that are facing a ‘not sure’ or ‘dunno what to do’ situation will be looking for a Mentor to guide thinking. Although not essential, it is my belief that a good Mentor should have, in one way or another, touched on the roles from levels 1 to 9.

Here, I hope to inspire you to achieve all the ten levels of this list during your career in any organisation. If you have, then you would have made your occupation a meaningful one. Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has done it. I observed that the auntie working behind the front desk at the McDonalds near my residence has also achieved this.

Perhaps in your case, it’s time to aim for the next level?

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