Another 30 Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme Graduates Enter The Mercedes-Benz Malaysia After-sales Network

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy recently celebrated the graduation of 30 trainees from its Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme. This graduating class are globally certified technicians who will have career opportunities within Mercedes-Benz’s network in Malaysia. Thus far, over 850 apprentices have graduated from the Apprentice Training Centre (ATC), which was set up in 1984.

The Apprentice Training Centre is a 55,000 sq ft facility, staffed by 13 certified and dedicated trainers. The training facility is equipped with state-of-the-art training equipment, purpose-built classrooms and workshops that emulate real-life after-sales centres.

“Our state-of-the-art, purpose built Training Academy aims to continuously nurture talent and provide Malaysian youths with a pathway to advance their career through job placement opportunities. Today, we contribute towards the nation’s demand for highly skilled talent in the automotive industry with the graduation of another 30 apprentices. This marks a significant milestone in our quest to build a solid foundation of the network and deliver the Best Customer Experience throughout the Mercedes-Benz extensive dealers in Malaysia,” said MBM’s President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.

The graduates received three certifications i.e. the Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mechatronic Training Certificate, Mercedes-Benz Qualified Maintenance Technician Certificate and National Dual Training System Certificate. The National Dual Training System Certificate is equivalent to the Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 3 (SKM 3), a certification recognized by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia.

The apprenticeship programme covers a wide-range of essential, life-long skills including presentation, analysis, decision making, strategic thinking, mentoring, self-discipline and most importantly, teamwork. Trainers are also rigorously assessed and certified according to international standards set by Daimler AG. Based on the guidelines set by them, the training academy maintains a trainee ratio of one trainer to 15 trainees to ensure optimum quality in the delivery of its modules.

Vice-President for Customer Services, MBM, Jeffrey Simon added, “The response the programme since has been great year on year and we have received close to 600 applications this year; the most to date. It is in our best interest to recognize, mould and empower local youths as they embark on their journey in the automotive industry. Upon completion of their three-year training programme, they will be offered a four-year guaranteed employment, starting off as a Passenger Car Technician.”

The training programme consists of 48 courses over a three-year training period, and is based on a curriculum comprising 70% practical training (including 30% on-the-job training); and 30% theory.

As a prerequisite to acceptance into the training programme, interested candidates have to undergo a strict selection process which involves a pre-enrolment assessment examination by Daimler AG. Candidates then have to attend a face-to-face interview by the Recruitment Panel which gives the final approval to candidates who qualify to enrol in the training programme.

In addition to the Automotive Mechatronic training programme, the ATC also provides a structured certification ladder for existing technicians who want to upgrade their skills and knowledge.