Shah Alam-based School of Skills (SOS) announced that it was currently working closely with Lim Tayar to offer the National Dual Training System (NDTS) course.
The NDTS system, or Sistem Latihan Dual National in Malay, is an industry-oriented training programme that combines workplace and institutional training. It allows working adults to get their Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) pretty much for free.
To obtain the SKM, the School of Skills said there were 3 methods: Through Accredited Training Centre via a full time course (like SOS); Pengiktirafan Pencapaian Terdahulu system – with working experience, no need to attend any training class; and SLDN system – working and training at the same time.
For the SLDN system, SOS said any candidate currently working in the automotive service industry was qualified. For technicians who did not possess the SKM, this was seen as a tremendous opportunity for them. Besides getting training and eventually obtaining the SKM (for basically no charge), the candidate was entitled to a monthly allowance of RM300. Unlike a loan, this was some kind of a grant from the Malaysian Government and the candidate did not have to pay back later.
Another good thing about this system, stressed SOS, was that candidates only needed to attend a theory training class at an average of about once a week, continue working full time at the service centre/workshop (which was considered as part of their practical training) and get their salary as usual. The rest of the procedure remained the same (like a regular SKM Course) in which candidates would need to prepare a portfolio and go through a final exam. The duration for an SKM Level 2 should be around 12 months.
With a registered JPK trainer (PP), a SLDN approved centre would be allowed to train 20 students. The training centre must appoint a Coordinator (normally the head of trainers) to coordinate between the trainer and candidates/apprentices. For the company, it was required to assign a ‘Coach’ (normally the supervisor) to monitor the apprentices as well as a Coordinator (normally the Manager) to coordinate between the Coach and apprentices. One Coach was allowed for 5 apprentices.
The SLDN course comprised 70 to 80 per cent practical training at the work place and 20 to 30 per cent theory in the classroom.
