TVET Opens Door For Perak Teens To Aircraft Painting Careers

SUBANG, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Armed with the skills acquired at the Malaysia-China Institute (MCI) GiatMARA Bagan Datuk, two teenagers from Perak never imagined that their interest in vehicle painting would eventually open the door to a more challenging field — aircraft painting.

Nineteen-year-olds Muhammad Haziq Mohd Hata and his friend Muhammad Daniel Mohammad are now serving as aircraft painters at Excel Generation Maxima Sdn Bhd, a company specialising in aircraft body paint spraying at Subang Airport, since last May.

Earning between RM2,500 and RM5,000 a month at a young age while many of their peers are still trying to find their path, the two youths never expected that the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) they received would bring them such promising opportunities.

It all began when a teacher at MCI GiatMARA Bagan Datuk noticed their potential and recommended them for industrial training in the aircraft painting sector while they were attending the Vehicle Repair and Painting course in the July 2024 session, said Muhammad Haziq.

“The opportunity came about by chance when a teacher suggested that Daniel and I undergo industrial training with the company. Previously, we only learned vehicle painting for cars and other regular vehicles.

“That was why (initially) there was some hesitation as we had no experience in aircraft painting,” he told Bernama recently, adding that the two of them decided to take on the challenge with the knowledge they gained at MCI GiatMARA.

Deciding to travel about 200 kilometres from Bagan Datuk throughout their three-month industrial training, which began last February, Muhammad Haziq said that the distance and challenges faced were not seen as obstacles.

Instead, these challenges motivated them to do their best, proving the capability of TVET graduates and repaying the trust given by their teachers.

Assigned to paint a King Air turboprop aircraft from Indonesia, Muhammad Haziq said the experience was thrilling as the responsibility was far greater and very different compared with painting smaller vehicles.

“From painting small objects, I was immediately entrusted to paint a large aircraft. The challenges are also greater, including handling multiple paint layers. In this field, there are also opportunities to work abroad, and I want to develop my expertise to a more advanced level,” he said.

For Muhammad Daniel, he never imagined being able to see aeroplanes and helicopters up close — let alone paint them — something he had only seen in the sky or on a phone screen before.

Describing it as a “precious moment”, the former SMK Khir Johari student said the knowledge gained at GiatMARA equipped him with practical skills that allow him to work independently and ensure every task is done meticulously.

“I studied at GiatMARA Bagan Datuk for six months before continuing with three months of industrial training. Honestly, Haziq and I had never left Bagan Datuk. We are very close — same school, same class. You could say we’ve been through thick and thin together since the beginning.

“The techniques taught by the instructors at GiatMARA Bagan Datuk helped us a lot — painting, panel beating, polishing — all with the same level of difficulty in ensuring a perfect and neat finish. The only difference now is the size,” he said.

Meanwhile, Excel Generation Maxima managing director Amran Musa said the TVET programme produces skilled professionals who support the growing operational needs of his company, in line with the expansion of Malaysia’s aviation industry.

Amran, an alumnus of the Mara Skills Institute in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, and with nearly 30 years of experience in aircraft body repair and painting, is developing the industry by providing opportunities to TVET stream youths.

“I emphasise the importance of hands-on practical training in shaping a professional workforce. I believe students who begin from GiatMARA or TVET institutions will be better prepared for industry challenges.

“I see that the practical and skills-focused training approach enables former trainees like Haziq and Daniel to grow to a professional level,” he said, adding that TVET, once seen as a last option, actually offers wide career prospects and a secure future.

-- BERNAMA