Isuzu Malaysia’s collaboration with the Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) to introduce more competent mechanics into the workforce has kicked off with its first intake of trainees.
The first five Isuzu Technical School (ITS) apprentices from the pilot batch began their six-month course recently and will be working towards graduating with their Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia – Level II (SKM II) certificates at the end of their term. CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Kenji Matsuoka who witnessed the initiation ceremony held at the Isuzu Development Centre (IDC) in Shah Alam recently said that the creation of the Isuzu Technical School was to help build a stronger foundation of skilled mechanics in the country.
According to Matsuoka, the programme that was initiated by Isuzu Malaysia aimed to raise the capabilities of skilled technicians and to improve the level of competence offered by Isuzu service centres.
“Through the ITS and with the support of the Ministry of Human Resources, we hope to develop a new level of competency among mechanics coming out to join the work force. With the expansion of Isuzu’s product line-up and the growing number of Isuzu dealerships throughout the country, the establishment of the ITS will strengthen Isuzu’s commitment to provide excellent after-sales services to our customers,” said Matsuoka.
The ITS course covers a range of theory and practical classes, conducted over a period of six months with the syllabus developed by Isuzu Malaysia under the guidance of the Malaysian National Skill Department. It includes the basic principles of workshop operations, commercial vehicle operating systems, procedures of vehicle service and maintenance as well as component overhaul skills.
The final part of the programme includes internships at Isuzu workshops where apprentices are exposed to real-world working conditions in commercial workshops, brushing up on their working procedures, dealing with customer expectations and handling parts operations.
According to Isuzu Malaysia’s Head of Training & Skill Development Syaiful Azuan, the objective of the Isuzu Technical School is to produce a new level of skilled sales and after-sales personnel who will be able to raise the level of customer satisfaction more effectively.
“As a world-class vehicle manufacturer, it is our aim to produce the next generation of skilled personnel through the Isuzu Technical School. Our current certification level from the government is at level two and three but we hope that as we gain more traction in the programme, we will be able offer higher levels of skills training and build a professional foundation for our local mechanics,” added Syaiful.
