Veteran mechanics in the classroom for some fine-tuning

PETALING JAYA: It’s back to the classroom for experienced mechanics, with many not only taking up vocational courses to get themselves certified but also to upskill themselves in their trade.

A workshop operator, who wanted to be known as Kwan, is currently attending a course to get certified despite having repaired cars for more than three decades.

“I have been repairing cars for over 30 years and I never imagined having to attend classes again. It feels odd,” said the 55-year-old who runs a workshop in Klang.

Kwan’s decision to seek certification is due to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s directive for auto workshop operators to display the qualification of their mechanics effective July 1, 2023.

The requirements under the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 include workshops to clearly state whether spare parts provided are new, used or restored, among others.

Kwan will consider putting up the list once his course ends next month. At present, he has two mechanics and several foreign workers in his workshop.

“The mechanics are locals and they have a vocational certificate.

“The foreigners are just general workers, but I train them to do spray painting and mudguard repair.

“They are getting better at the job, but their names are not going to appear on the list,” he said.

A car workshop operator in USJ1, Bon Foo Kang, said he attends classes every few months at a training centre to keep abreast with the latest automotive technology.

“We learn a lot from the courses, which are conducted through case studies,” said the 36-year-old.

“They include exposure to new technologies such as hybrid vehicle and start-stop engine systems,” he said, adding that the training course provided by the government under Malaysians Skills Certificate will take a longer time.

However, only a small number from Bon’s workshop were sent to attend the course as it costs RM400 per class.

“We’re just a small workshop. Only two of the staff are certified.

“We also have foreign workers but it’s not worth to get them to sit for the certification as their turnover rate is high,” he said.