Hand-on-Skill

By CHITRA S. NATHAN
educate@thestar.com.my

 STUDENTS enrolled in Nilai University College (Nilai UC)’s Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering not only learn in the classroom, but have the opportunity to apply their knowledge on a real aircraft at the institution’s very own hangar.

Soon, these students will have the option to further their knowledge in the field through a recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom’s (UK) Kingston University and CAA International Ltd (CAAi), a subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

Nilai UC president Prof Emeritus Tengku Datuk Shamsul Bahrin said students would have the option of pursuing an engineering degree in Aircraft Maintenance through its partnership with Kingston.

Prof Emeritus Tengku Shamsul (right) exchanging documents with Dr Mason at the ceremony.

 

“Students who want to further their studies after the diploma will have the avenue to do so locally through a one-year top-up degree programme with Kingston.

“With the agreement, Kingston will also now be providing the notes for the diploma programme while CAAi will regulate the examinations throughout the course duration,” he said at the signing ceremony recently.

The degree programme with Kingston is scheduled to commence next January, together with additional options in helicopter maintenance and avionics.

Prof Emeritus Tengku Shamsul said Nilai UC, which had been running the diploma programme for the past three years, aims to produce trained professionals who meet international aviation standards.

“Although three years is not a long time, we have worked hard to ensure the programme was accredited and now we are pleased to team up with Kingston and CAAi to further enhance the programme.

Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering students working on an aircraft during a practical sesion.

 

“Industry acceptance is also important and we are lucky to have the support of nine industry partners — SR Aviations Ltd, Berjaya Air, Dnest Aviation Services, KLAS, GGIFA, Sabah Air, Subang General Aviation Sdn Bhd, Integrated Training and Services Aviation Academy and Systematic General Aviation Sdn Bhd,” he said.

Aircraft Maintenance department head M. Kunalan said the partnership also allowed students to obtain valuable feedback on their examination performance.

“It is important for the students to know how they fare in the examinations, and now they will be able to get feedback on their performance from the CAAi,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Kingston University engineering faculty dean Dr Peter Mason and CAAi training and examinations unit senior manager Matthew Margesson.