Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Training Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its newest group of apprentices from its Automotive Mechatronic Training programme.
A total of 26 apprentices graduated from the MBM Training Academy this year. To date, no fewer than 827 globally certified apprentices have passed through its doors since the establishment of training programs locally.
All 26 graduates received three certifications; the Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mechatronic Training Certificate; the Mercedes-Benz Qualified Maintenance Technician Certificate; and the National Dual Training System (NDTS) Certificate, which is equivalent to the Malaysia Skills Certificate Level 3, a certification recognised by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia.
“These graduates form the foundation of our network and enable us to deliver the Best Customer Experience, an assurance that all Mercedes-Benz customers and fans have come to trust. We look forward to nurturing more Malaysian youth and sustainably contribute towards the nation’s demand for highly skilled talent in the automotive industry”, said MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
The MBM Training Academy presented the Class of 2018 Best Student Award to Wong Shiong Heng. The 23 year-old silver-star recipient from Negeri Sembilan was affirmed for his outstanding achievement over the three-year training period in the areas of academics, performance, attendance and attitude.
“I was surprised when I heard my name called out for the Best Student Award. I feel that all the effort I put in has paid off. When I first started the course, I found the teaching method very different from what I have experienced in the past. The course emphasised heavily on attitude, punctuality and discipline. I took it as a challenge, I persevered and my hard work paid off. I am thankful for the support of my family, trainers and peers. They have all contributed to helping me achieve the Best Student Award,” said Wong.
Following the completion of the 3-year training programme, the apprentices will be absorbed into MBM’s extensive network of Autohauses and service centres nationwide. With a variety of career opportunities available, an example of a possible career progression could include apprentices beginning their career as a Qualified System Technician, and possibly be promoted to a Certified Diagnosis Technician or Certified Service Advisor.
The Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy began taking in 60 trainees per year starting in 2017 over a three-year programme, the new Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. Based on training guidelines set by Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the Training Academy maintains a trainee ratio of one trainer to 15 trainees to ensure optimum quality in the delivery of its modules.
The three-year course comprises a 70 percent practical-based curriculum, which includes 30 per cent on-the-job-training and 30 per cent theory-based curriculum. Trainees are exposed to a wide range of skills including presentation, critical analysis, decision making, systematic thinking, mentoring, self-discipline and team work skills to prepare them for the working world.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia along with the dealer network invests over RM100,000 per trainee for the implementation of the training programme. The next intake of trainees will begin in July 2018. Interested applicants can submit their application forms here.
