BAuto Graduates Hand Picked By Mazda Saudi Arabia!

On Friday, September 8, 2023, 159 accomplished students successfully completed the Bermaz Auto Apprenticeship Programme. These graduates come from three different technical training programmes, including 116 graduates from the Mazda Master Technical and Non-Technical programmes, 43 from the BAuto Apprenticeship Programme, 21 from the BAuto Mechanic Programme (BAMP), and 22 from the BAuto Body & Paint (BABP) programme.

All the graduates have been hired by Bermaz Auto Berhad and will be based at service facilities serving the three prestigious brands of the company: Mazda, Peugeot, and Kia.

The Bermaz Auto Apprenticeship Programme has received praise for its accomplishments, even catching the eye of Mazda Saudi Arabia, the country's sole Mazda automobile dealer under the Haji Hussein Alireza Co. Ltd. Mazda Saudi Arabia requested manpower assistance in the Body & Paint industry through Mazda Corporation Japan after being impressed by Bermaz's programme. Bermaz Auto encouraged MARA to participate in the choice and shortlisting of candidates based on their prior work together on the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) with the MARA Skills Institute (IKM).

A representative from Haji Hussein Alireza & Co. Ltd. led a virtual briefing and candidate screening process that resulted in the identification of four outstanding prospects through practical testing and interviews. Two of these applicants were chosen by MARA from the MARA Skills Institute (IKM), and the other two came from the Bermaz Auto Apprenticeship Programme. These selected candidates have started their careers at Haji Hussein Alireza & Co. Ltd. in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the graduation of apprentices, 29 staff members received certification in IMI EV (Electric Vehicle) Levels 3 and 4. Four staff members secured Level 3 certification, while an impressive 25 staff members attained Level 4 certification, accredited by the UK's Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). This achievement reflects rigorous theoretical and practical assessments conducted by UK EV Certified trainers.

Bermaz Auto, a prominent distributor and provider of after-sales services for internationally renowned brands such as Mazda, Kia, and Peugeot in Malaysia, is committed to nurturing human capital by offering EV training programs locally and abroad. To ensure safety and proficiency in high-risk, high-voltage repair operations, Bermaz Auto has invested over RM 10 million in training equipment and upskilling initiatives.

The Institute of the Motor Industry in the UK has designated the BAuto Training School as an EV Approved Centre, and it is ready to qualify more trainers and technicians to satisfy the rising demand for EVs.

Tan Sri Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of Bermaz Auto Berhad, remarked, "A career in the Automotive industry is very interesting and challenging, as we can see through the years of technological advancement and design changes to suit the changing environment and consumer lifestyle. The recent emphasis is being put on clean and green mobility with high connectivity to meet the changing demands of consumers and the environment. Bermaz Auto Training School is the platform for the young generation to advance their knowledge and career in the Automotive industry through Malaysian Government Skill Certification (SKM) and the IMI UK, whose certificate is widely recognized by the industry globally."

With the Mazda brand in 2010, Bermaz Auto began its apprenticeship programme. The first location was Lot 9, Mazda Petaling Jaya (PJ) Training Centre, where apprentices were exposed to the most recent SkyActiv technology, solutions, vehicle networking, and diagnosis from Japan during their two-year programme.

Another significant step was made in 2015 with the launch of the Mazda Body & Paint Programme by Bermaz, a specialised apprenticeship programme housed at Lot 14 in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The emphasis of this programme was on body repair and unique paint methods imported from Mazda Japan. In parallel, a partnership with Sompo Japan improved the abilities of the instructors for body repair and painting.

In order to create more all-around technicians, the Mazda Mechanic Programme (MMP) was introduced in the northern region that same year, notably in Kampung Gajah, Butterworth, and Penang. In Sungai Tiram, Penang, another Body & Paint Centre opened in 2018.

The apprenticeship programme is designed for recent high school graduates from lower-income families who are passionate about continuing their education in Automotive Technical and Vocational Education Training. Given the tremendous interest in MMP, Bermaz opened a training facility in Alor Setar, Kedah in 2019, giving Northern talent options.

During the pandemic, Bermaz Auto devised a restructuring plan to consolidate multiple programs under one roof, incorporating reskilling, up-skilling, and electrification. In 2021, the company unveiled the new Reskilling and EV Centre at Lot 6, Glenmarie. Additionally, all apprenticeship programs were rebranded under the Bermaz Auto umbrella, with BAuto Mechatronic Training (BAMT) replacing the Mazda Apprenticeship Program (MAP), BAuto Body & Paint Program (BAPP) taking the place of Body & Paint Program (BPP), and BAuto Mechanic Program (BAMP) superseding Mazda Mechanic Program (MMP). All training centers were also renamed Bermaz Auto Training School (BAuto Training School) to encompass all three brands under the Bermaz Auto Group.

BAuto Training School primarily offers three Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) apprenticeship programs certified by the Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) and the Institute of The Motor Industry (IMI), United Kingdom. Recognized for its efforts in upskilling in electrification (EV) technology, including Safety Awareness and Autonomous Technology, Bermaz Auto was awarded the Malaysia Education & TVET Awards in 2023.

Bermaz Auto remains committed to fostering a sustainable future for young individuals, inspiring them to explore opportunities in the automotive industry. Aspiring candidates with a combination of passion, ambition, and dedication to a career in the after-sales sector are encouraged to submit their resumes to bts6@bermaz.com.my.