RAISING THE BAR ON TVET
all the mechanisms that control the machine.
“Electrically, the VD TBM is a combination of different types of German technology. By understanding the ‘brain’, the electricians can understand why the machine behaves in a certain way and what can be done to control it,” said Ubull adding that electricians will be exposed to universal codes so that they are able to perform their maintenance routine and troubleshoot when necessary.
TTA also invested in Bosch training facilities, mainly on the VD TBM’s electro hydraulic system to train tunnel mechanics on the mechanical and hydraulic components of the TBM.
Bosch Rexroth Sdn Bhd managing director Michel Gunawan said the collaboration helped TTA trainees enhance their technical knowledge in hydraulics, mechanical and electrical operations.
“Our training equipment based on standard industrial components assures safe operations by the trainees. At the end of the course, the trainees receive certification that are accepted worldwide. As the country progresses and develops its infrastructure, we are proud to be part of this growth with the nation,” said Gunawan.
Elaborating further on the inclusion of Siemens and Bosch modules, Ubull said the modules were complet- ed prior to work commencing on MRT Line 2, as there was a need to upskill tunnel electricians and mechanics who will be instrumental in operating and maintaining the TBMs.
“We are able to reduce or control our downtime if all tunnel mechanics are familiar with the basic mechanical and hydraulic systems used. So far, for MRT Line 2, we have been able to keep the VD TBM running 24/7 with the usual scheduled maintenance,” added
Ubull. ing TVET institutions like Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) and Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) to select and train top graduates for various positions such as tunnel crew, assistant TBM operator, tunnel electrician, tunnel mechanic and erector operator covering the entire operational and management aspects of the VD TBM.
Youth Skills Development Division directorgeneral Dr Wasitah Mohd Yusof said training provided by TTA has transformed the conventional theoretical and practical training provided to their ILKBS graduates.
“To date, many of our graduates who have joined TTA have been placed at various worksites,” she said, adding that they have received positive feedback on training quality and encouraging work environment from former graduates who are currently employed in MRT Line 2.
She added that training provided by TTA is not only organised, but the training syllabus is also of international standard. Employees’ welfare and career progression are also given equal emphasis.
“TTA has world-class training facilities for tunnelling projects in Malaysia. With the current exposure, ILKBS graduates not only can expand their career locally but also become a specialist at the international level,” said Wasitah.
In years to come, TTA is poised to be the hub of tunnelling technology and education as it continues to upskill the workforce and set the standard for professional tunnel construction. Since its establishment, TTA has trained 1,000 graduates and is in the midst of training another 600 by the end of MRT Line 2 in 2022.
Datuk Ubull Din Om TTA has also developed additional modules covering tunnel emergency procedures and quality, safety, health and environment (QSHE) components, based on their knowledge and experience of handling the VD TBM. This seamless knowledge transfer has increased the value of Malaysian tunnel experts by many folds.
For the record, Gamuda ‘s tunnel building records include the world’s first dual purpose tunnel, Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), the Penchala Link tunnel, Kaohsiung Metropolitan MRT in Taiwan and the MRT Line 1. It is currently working on MRT Line 2 which connects Klang Valley to the administrative capital of
Putrajaya.
This not only gives local youths a competitive advantage in the building industry, but also elevates the standard of TVET in the country, making it on par with other specialisations globally. This also goes in tandem with the government’s plan to raise the bar on TVET.
TTA also works closely with the Education, Human Resources and Youth and Sports ministries and lead- Michel Gunawan