Attain Automotive, Electrical and Electronics Trade Skills with NTPC
Sumesh Kumar is the Training Officer for the Department of Automotive and Mechanical at the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre.
Over the past few decades, Automotive Electrical and Electronics technology have provided more efficient performing vehicles.
Due to this technology change, the Fiji National University’s (FNU), National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) is gaining increased interest in the Automotive Electrical and Elec-tronics Trade programme from individuals and companies in the automotive industry.
The programme was developed in consultation with the automotive industry to address their needs as technologies change. To succeed in business, one needs to be on par with the latest trends and innovations in technology.
The automobiles being used in Fiji, regardless of whether they are cars, trucks, buses, or ma-chinery, all are controlled by computers. Every vehicle owner wishes to create a more efficient performing vehicle, and this can only be achieved by applying a computercontrolled system in a motor vehicle.
Due to the recent rising fuel prices and the increased carbon emissions – a major contributor to the greenhouse effect – car manufacturers aspire to upgrade and create technology such as the computer-controlled system to help reduce carbon emissions. Regardless of whether you are a mechanic, a car owner, or a car enthusiast, understanding the basic functions and responsibilities of a computer-controlled system is important. The comput-erised system improves the efficiency and performance of the automobile by controlling the fuel and sparks supply to an engine, operation of power flow to drive the vehicle, promoting the smooth running of vehicles, the safety features for drivers and passengers, the lights, the ac-cessories, and many more.
Type of Training
Automotive Electrical and Electronics training is a competency-based training (CBT) that focus-es on the development of knowledge, skills, and attitude, which are currently needed by the automotive industry in Fiji and abroad.
The competencies gained during this training provides the foundation of the participant’s un-derpinning knowledge about the subject matter, practicing steps to carry out course-related tasks, and applying safe workrelated safety and procedures.
The coursework includes a mixture of theory and practical sessions which are conducted
in the lab with the simulator or in the workshop on real cars. The practical for this course focuses on the service, diagnostic, and repair of Automotive Electrical and Electronics systems.
Every year, nearly 30 participants are trained in this trade. These participants include automo-tive 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 and Electric Vehicle Owners).
At NTPC, our training is for new learners (school leavers/dropouts), upskilling for current auto-motive industry workers, and reskilling for other interested participants who are in a different profession (teachers, office workers security officers, etc.).
Interested participants with zero knowledge and skills or with low marks in the school system also can apply for our short courses. There are no age and gender restrictions. This trade is suitable for all, regardless of their gender.
Training Modules
At NTPC, our training is developed and designed for skilling, upskilling, and reskilling individuals who have an interest in joining or want to further their knowledge in the automotive industry.
At NTPC, our training starts from the basic level of automotive electrical systems to the most advanced level including computer control systems, servicing, diagnosing, and repairing of the electrical and electronic systems.
The programme also includes the installation of electrical accessories on automobiles. Furthermore, the most recent technology, such as the hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle powertrain, are important training components.
Mode of Training
To assist our interested participants, we offer different modes of training as follows:
■ Full-time face-to-face day classes on campus. This mode of training is for those participants who can attend a full-time faceto-face class.
■ Blended mode evening class, face-to-face on campus and online training. This training mode is recommended for those who work during the daytime.
■ Blended mode day class, face-to-face on campus and online training. This mode of training is recommended for distant learners.
■ In-house training, tailor-made to meet industrial needs. This training mode is normally requested by organisations requiring a minimum participant number of 15.
■ On-the-job training. This mode of training
is industrial-based training where participants are trained while they are carrying out their normal work. Like in-house training, this training requires a minimum participant number of 15.
Pathway
After completing all 15 modules under this Automotive Electrical and Electronics programme, participants can join the Automotive industry for an industrial attachment of 1400 hours. Upon completing the attachment hours, students qualify to sit for a trade test in this trade.
NTPC’s National Trade Testing Department is having Class I, II and III in this trade. Having Trade Test Certification in this trade is an advantage. This high-tech trade is having great value locally and internationally.
BENEfits
Automotive mechanics and technicians need to upgrade their skills and qualifications in the Automotive electrical and electronics programme, to rectify and repair faults using correct procedures.
Every individual dealing with, or handling motor vehicles needs to know the correct service and repair procedures. These required skills can be attained through training with NTPC.
Our training will also improve productivity in the automotive industry by eliminating the trial-and-error method and giving customers satisfactory service.
If you have an interest in automotive electrical and electronics 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 in NTPC’s Automotive Electrical and Electronics training programme and choosing a career as an automotive technician will allow students to keep updated with the current and upcoming technologies in the automotive field.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and do not in any way reflect or represent the position of the Fiji National University.