Twelve apprentices earned their tools to enter the automotive engineering technology sector recently to meet the demand for skilled manpower in the country.

All of the apprentices have already gone through a year of on the job training with Scania and will now join its nationwide service network.

The Scania Apprenticeship Programme brings a continuous flow of highly skilled new talents into the company, which allows Scania to maintain a capable and experienced workforce for the benefit of its customers while giving graduating apprentices the opportunity to begin their careers and gain further experience in one of the world’s leading truck, bus and engine manufacturers.

The programme began with Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) Kuala Perlis in 2014 under a collaboration to develop the skills and syllabus, industrial training, apprentice programme and employment for graduate students later in Scania.

It is now open to any training institution for individuals or fresh graduates with at least two years of education at certificate level in Commercial Automotive studies with a minimum academic CGPA of 3.0 and above or equivalent, as well as be able to read, write and speak English.

“This initiative to develop more skilled technicians for Malaysia’s growing heavy commercial vehicle sector not only fulfills the needs of the nation but also Scania’s customers as we are able to provide them with the best ownership experience and profitability for their investment,” said Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström.

Marie, who presented the certificates to the graduating apprentices, also said the programme will provide wider opportunities to increase the skills, knowledge and professionalism of students in technical fields as well as with public, private and research institutes to cooperate on multiple levels.

During the event, Scania also welcomed its new apprentices for 2017 who will undergo three months of intensive training at its headquarters, following which those who qualify will continue with on the job training at selected Scania branches for another nine months.