Upskilling courses; Automotive Electrical and Electronics
By ■ Sumesh Kumar is a training officer at Fiji National University’s Department ofAutomotive and Mechanical Engineering Industry at the National Training and Productivity Centre.
The National Training and Productivity Centre’s (NTPC) Automotive Electrical and Electronics Trade programme is gaining much interest from individuals and companies in the automotive industry.
The programme was developed because of the high demand from the automotive industry as the technologies continue to change, and one needs to change with time to keep up with the technologies to achieve business success.
The shift in technology was the reason for the demand to introduce the course.
The cars imported to Fiji, whether they are new or second hand, are controlled by computers.
The computerised system controls the starting of an engine, running the car, controlling the vehicle, the safety features, lights, accessories, and many more.
At NTPC, we train our participants from the basics of automotive electrical systems to the most advanced computer control systems, including servicing, diagnosing, and repairing electrical and electronic systems.
The programme also includes the installation of electrical accessories on a motor vehicle.
Furthermore, the most recent technology, such as the hybrid electric vehicle powertrain, is an important training component.
Every year, nearly 25 participants are trained in this trade.
The participants include automotive mechanics, electricians, salespeople, drivers, and school leavers willing to join the industry.
Some interested participants, like vehicle owners, attend this training, so they are aware of the technology they are using (especially Hybrid Electric Vehicle Owners).
At NTPC, our training is developed and designed for skilling, upskilling, and reskilling individuals who are interested in joining or want to further their knowledge in the automotive industry.
Mohammed Rizwan
Mohammed Rizwan’s passion for vehicles drove him to join the National Training and Productivity Centre’s Automotive, Electrical, and Electronics Pprogrammes.
The 29-year-old has been employed at the Ministry of Agriculture in Nabouwalu for the past eight years as an automotive serviceman after successfully completing his studies at NTPC, which prepared him to take up his dream job in the automotive industry.
“I am the eldest in the family of four and grew up on the island of Vanua Levu in the beautiful province of Bua,” he said.
“It was always a dream to work in the automotive field, and after completing my secondary education at Bulileka College, I decided to join NTPC.”
Mr Rizwan chose to take up this field because he always had a passion for vehicles.
He decided that being a technician for vehicles was always what he wanted to study after high school.
“To see my dream come into reality, I joined Fiji National University to study light motor vehicle engineering, and after completion, I joined the workforce as a mechanic.
“While working in the industry, I realised that technology was evolving, and I needed to upskill myself with new technology, “he said.
“Studying while working was only possible with NTPC, so I joined the NTPC’s Automotive Electrical and Electronics programme. Since I was on Vanua Levu and the class was being offered in Viti Levu at Narere Campus, I did online theory classes, and for practical, I travelled to Narere.
“This flexibility in training assisted me in achieving my goal.
“My experience with NTPC was one of the best.
“The trainer was tremendously helpful, especially with passing skills and knowledge in detail.
“Being in this trade, I learn new things every day, and new things come with new experiences.
“Times are changing, and technology is always advancing, so this field requires upskilling with Automotive Electrical and Electronics programme.”
Kunal Kaartike Kumar
Twenty-three year-old Kunal Kaartike Kumar’s decision to study Automotive Electrical and Electronics programme from NTPC helped him grow in his career.
Kumar is currently employed at Aarkay Motors Ltd, which is one of the successors of the Automotive Electrical and Electronics programme from NTPC.
“I always had a passion to work on vehicles, especially from my childhood days, and I developed a lot of interest in the vehicles’ electrical and electronic systems, and how they work kindled a lot of interest in my mind,” he said.
“I started to work in a small garage and enrolled in an Automotive Electrical and Electronics evening programme with NTPC. After completing my programme, opportunities knocked on the door, and from there, I joined commercial companies.
“I always have the feeling that my choice of study and employment was never wrong.
“The skills and knowledge gained at the NTPC prior to my current employment enabled me to join commercial companies.
“I have also worked for City Cars Limited and Ubitec System Solutions for over two years.
“In these companies I was involved in installing auto electrical accessories on the Japanese second-hand vehicles as per customer satisfaction. “
“Individuals should join the automotive trade, the number of vehicles on the road will keep increasing, improper electrical and electronic works in the vehicle will keep it immobile and unsafe, get certified training from the NTPC and get vehicles moving safely on the road. Avoid all those hassles at the relevant authority for the vehicles’ sustainability at road user level,” Mr Kumar said.
Mr Kumar also holds a Trade Test Certificate in the Automotive Electrical and Electronics Trade.
Saneel Singh
Saneel Singh, a senior automotive electrician, says there is a great future for the automotive electrical and electronics trade in Fiji, and the demand for skilled workers will be high in the near future.
The 27-year-old has completed his studies in the same trade and is prospering in his life working at the Niranjans Autoport Limited in Suva.
He completed his secondary school at Rishikul Sanatan College in the year 2012.
He had a passion for learning about the new automotive electronic technology that was introduced in new models.
After completing his secondary school, he chose the Automotive Electrical and Electronics programme with NTPC.
According to him, learning automotive, electrical, and electronics was the most enjoyable and interesting.
“I enjoyed studying at the NTPC as the experienced instructors were very good at their teaching and helped me to learn things easily,” he said.
“The professional equipment used for training was up to date.
The equipment that was being used was up to the required industrial standards. The trainer was helpful in teaching and guiding us throughout our course. “
After completing the training with NTPC, Singh joined Niranjans Autoport as an assistant automotive electrician and climbed up the ladder to become a senior automotive electrician, dealing with new cars and new technologies.
Mr Singh wants to contribute to the growth of the nation through his experience and knowledge of his trade.
NTPC’s commitment to training
The achievement of all participants is only possible with the NTPC’s Automotive Electrical and Electronics training programme.
The mode of training provided, the availability of advanced tools and equipment, the conducive learning environment, the skilled and experienced trainers, and the flexibility in training delivery all support students in developing their best skills and knowledge to serve the automotive industry and be a successful automotive technician.
If you have an interest in automotive electrical technology, let your interest be your career. If you are an automotive serviceman and want to learn more about automotive electrical, and electronics, upgrade your skills and knowledge.
Enrolling with NTPC’s Automotive Electrical and Electronics training programme and choosing a career as an automotive technician will let you get the better of the current and approaching technologies in the automotive field.
The programmes will make you marketable, locally and internationally.
Our commitment is your triumph