Lecturer getting certified through sponsored training at TWI

My name is Muhammad Firdaus bin Muhammad Nor and I am from Kota Tinggi, Johor. I have been working in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic at Pasir Gudang for the past fifteen years. On 30 October 2022, I began participating in the ‘Program Pentauliahan Kimpalan 3G’ initiated by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia in collaboration with University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

During this programme, I was trained in Penetrant Testing Level 1, CSWIP 3.0 Visual Welding Inspector and CSWIP Approved Welder Training for the 3G position (SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW) and continued my learning through a month-long industry attachment. During my time at TWI, I acquired new skills and methods and learned how to identify the defects in the welding processes according to the AWS D1.1 and ISO standards.

Having experience is essential to a successful accreditation procedure when it comes to higher education institutes. Taking the training provides experience; but, to make sure the competency is recognized, one must pass the related test and obtain the certification. This kind of evidence is beneficial in a teaching environment, as I have noticed when taking courses; the proof of competence even upgraded my CV, which was an added value for future job opportunities in this sector. Having a certificate of competency is very important for me as it proves my qualifications in the subject matter and is my top priority.

Sponsored training programmes should be continued to ensure that the nation’s human capital is adequately prepared for upcoming economic development. If we let this programme lapse, we risk falling behind other countries, especially regarding having a highly trained workforce. To maintain the nation's need for skilled workers, a programme like this should be offered not just for graduates, but also for those who have been working, so that they can be updated with new knowledge and improved standards. 

On behalf of all my friends, I would like to thank the programme coordinator, the Department of Polytechnic Education and Community College, and the scholarship department of the Ministry of Higher Education for their support to let us attend the ‘Program Pentauliahan Kimpalan 3G’, as well as UTHM as the carrying out institute and TWI team, Mr. Khairul, Mrs. Farah, welding trainers and all the lecturers who have shared their knowledge and experience while we were at TWI.

Thanks to our families for their understanding and willingness to sacrifice 3 months away from us. Finally, thank you to all parties directly and indirectly for making this programme successful.

Thank you.

Learn more about TWI Malaysia's sponsored training programmes here.