A new vertical: A worker’s journey in lift maintenance through the Progressive Wage Model

His mother was concerned when Suresh Kothandapanie told her that he was switching careers at 40.

After 20 years as a safety supervisor in construction, moving into lift maintenance seemed risky.

“My mom told me, ‘you’re already past 40, don’t you think working in the lift and escalator industry is a bit high risk?’” Suresh recalled.

“I said yes, but I wanted to take the challenge.”

The inspiration came during his time as a facilities engineering technician, where he coordinated with lift maintenance vendors. Watching them work sparked his interest in the technical intricacies of vertical transportation.

Despite the initial challenges of entering a new field, his background in safety proved valuable in an industry where precision and caution are paramount.

His bold decision paid off.

In just five years, Suresh rose from technician to senior specialist at Otis Elevator Singapore, where he now works with a team of 10 at Paya Lebar Quarter.

The Progressive Wage Model (PWM)enabled his rapid advancement. It creates clear career progression pathways with sustainable wage increases for lift and escalator maintenance workers.

Symphony of safety

For Suresh, maintaining lifts is like conducting an orchestra where every component must perfectly harmonise.

“I am proud that my equipment and the lifts are operating safely, and I can see thousands of people using them daily – children, elderly people,” he shared.

The industry has significantly evolved since he started.

Today’s lift maintenance combines traditional mechanical expertise with cutting-edge technology.

“Now we have advanced technology where I can monitor the lift from a distance. Even at home, I can monitor what happened to the lift at that moment,” Suresh explained.

This technological advancement has transformed how maintenance is conducted.

“Before going to the site, I can prepare my materials, my equipment and what needs to be present at the site to rectify,” he said, highlighting how modern systems help prevent issues before they occur.

Rising through education

Central to Suresh’s success has been his commitment to continuous learning.

Through PWM’s structured training pathway, he completed his NITEC certification, followed by a Work-Study Diploma.

“The Progressive Wage Model changed a major part of my job, salary-wise. At the same time, it motivates us to go to classes and study.

“It is like a career path, where from one level, we are going to another level,” he said.

Suresh’s appetite for learning hasn’t diminished.

He is now preparing to pursue an advanced diploma in electrical engineering and plans to continue to a degree.

“That is my passion. That is what I want to do,” he said with determination.

Industry in motion

Suresh’s story reflects the transformation of Singapore’s lift and escalator maintenance sector.

Since the implementation of PWM in this industry in 2018, significant improvements in wages and professionalism have been seen.

The model ensures that wage increases are tied to skills upgrading, creating sustainable career paths for workers.

For aspiring lift specialists, the future looks promising.

PWM has established clear progression routes from assistant specialist to principal specialist roles, with baseline wages set to increase annually until 2028.

By 2028, assistant specialists' base wages will rise from $2,075 to $3,080 by 2028, while principal specialists can advance to earning $4,150.

The introduction of mandatory annual bonuses further enhances the industry’s appeal.

At his workplace, Suresh continues to orchestrate the safe movement of thousands daily, proving that with the right support and determination, it’s never too late to reach new heights.

His journey exemplifies how PWM opens doors for workers willing to embrace learning and growth at any stage of their careers.

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