Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Signs MoU With MOYS To Develop Skilled Auto Industry Workforce

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) to further advance the skills of the nation’s youth in regards with the automotive industry.

The collaboration will see the selection of 12 students from the National Youth Skills Training Institute (IKBN), aged between 19 to 25 years, to undergo intensive product and systems training at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Apprentice Training Centre in Glenmarie. Slated to begin in October 2015, the inaugural batch of students are expected to complete the programme by January 2016.

Speaking at the event, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Roland Folger said, “As a corporate citizen of this country, we are committed to contributing to the growth of the nation not only in terms of technological transfer, but also in the development of human capital.”

The partnership follows a year-long discussion, planning, and preparation process between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, MOYS, and IKBN.

Training for the students consist of both theory and practical aspects, where they will undergo technical training (maintenance repairs, electrical, and troubleshooting), as well as soft skills through retailing in a workshop environment.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will also incorporate the “train-the-trainer” concept as part of the knowledge transfer programme which sees three IKBN trainers exposed to both the latest changes and updates in automotive technology, plus the ethics and culture of today’s highly automated and customer-centric automotive industry.

Also present at the signing of the MoU was Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Encik Khairy Jamaluddin, who said, “This partnership with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is a culmination of our discussion in up-skilling Malaysian graduates with industry-recognised technical knowledge. It is my fervent hope that students who graduate from IKBN will ultimately be able to work in any industry-relevant workforce.