INDUSTRY NEWS: Volvo Trucks advances talent development with Technical Education Programme (TEP) for TAFE College

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia and Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE College, Seremban signing the collaboration.

One of the most important things in nation building is the development of human capital. I sometimes think that this is very rarely done in this country. You can tell this from the fact that over the last fifteen or so years there have been no real technological or innovative breakthroughs here. You could put the blame on various factors including the lack of a proper education vision by the government as well as the lack of private institutions and individuals who have the monetary strength but somehow are so 'kedekut' or stingy to help develop others. 


So these days, aside from road safety issues, I do like the fact that automotive industry players like Volvo Trucks over here have started technical initiatives that would develop more skilled workers for our nation. Volvo Trucks Malaysia have entered into a collaboration with TAFE College Seremban (TCS) for a student Technical Education Programme (TEP) in a mission to help build a more skilful technical talent pool for Malaysia’s growing commercial vehicle industry. This would also provide the people trained a guaranteed job once they graduate. It works out well for everyone.

PRESS RELEASE
Volvo Trucks advances talent development with 
Technical Education Programme (TEP) for TAFE College

Carol Tong, Vice President, Human Resources, Volvo Malaysia; Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia; Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE College Seremban; and Vijayalakshmi Krishnan, Principle, TAFE College Seremban in a group photo after the signing of the collaboration.

Shah Alam, 20 August 2015: Volvo Trucks (Volvo), which operates under Volvo Malaysia, today announced that it has entered into a collaboration with TAFE College Seremban (TCS) for a student Technical Education Programme (TEP) in a mission to help build a more skilful technical talent pool for Malaysia’s growing commercial vehicle industry.

The collaboration is the first of its kind formed between Volvo and TCS. The Technical Education Programme, which started recently in July 2015, seeks to transfer world-class knowledge to local students, increase talent pool and meet the demands of business and industry.

Under the programme, Volvo will be conducting ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions for TCS’ lecturers, so that they in turn will teach the students about commercial vehicles. Volvo will also conduct lectures on technical and soft skills to prepare the students for the working environment and to increase the number of skilled workers in Malaysia and ultimately, offer internships and employment opportunities for qualified and certified students upon graduation.

“Volvo is highly keen on supporting local talent development for the industry. Our role in this technical education programme is to facilitate this through knowledge transfer and industrial training to develop highly skilled and qualified talents. The need for quality aftermarket service in the automotive industry is increasing, and so is the demand for competent and skilful employees”, said Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Volvo and TCS earlier this month.

“We recognize the importance of motivating youths in mechanical engineering careers and we want to drive the next generation towards strengthening the nation through this field. As such, Volvo is glad to present qualified TCS’ students with internships stints and employment opportunities upon graduation, where they will have the prospects to work and gain experience at our 11 dealerships across Malaysia,” added Nilsson.

The collaboration will also see Volvo providing periodic quality assurance assessments on the lecturers to ensure that its global quality standards are delivered through the coursework.

“At TAFE College, we emphasize on a career-focused education right at the foundation and diploma levels and offer skills training programmes to help nurture each of our student to be an adaptable graduate who is able to make a seamless transition into the working world,” said Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo, Chief Executive Officer of TAFE College, Seremban.

Tan Sri Dato G Vadiveloo also said that TCS’ courses were designed to produce self-motivated individuals capable of applying skills and knowledge in a systematic and integrated manner. The support by Volvo Trucks will give the students invaluable opportunities to gain knowledge on par with global standards, thus playing a big role in further motivating them and increasing their marketability, he added.

In addition, TCS is also dedicating a designated Volvo Corner at the college premises – which consists of prototype engines, a sleeper cab, genuine parts, and a Volvo training truck, which will be used to conduct hands-on practical lessons. The students are tasked with the responsibility of setting up and maintaining the section.