Promising future in aviation maintenance

“IF you really want to have a strong foundation for your career in aviation maintenance, the programmes on offer at Nilai University, which combine European Aviation Safety Agency ( EASA) mechanic training and certification with academic study, can provide a good start to your career,” said Paul Chun, vice president of KLM Engine Services. He said that when he recently officiated the signing of an agreement by KLM UK Engineering ( KLM UKE) and Nilai University for the provision of virtual learning environment ( VLE) material and the conduct of the European Air Safety Authority ( EASA) B1 an B2 examinations at Nilai University.

Chun was referring to the unique package of aircraft maintenance programmes on offer at Nilai University that permits SPM holders to complete a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance in just three and a half years and with that also obtain EASA B1 and B2 certification and a BSc ( Hons) in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from Kingston University, United Kingdom.

“If you only want to be an aircraft mechanic, then obtaining a diploma and EASA certification will be sufficient. But if you want to move into upper management and supervisory roles, having a degree will help. Also, much of the work is very complex. If you really want to secure your future, then do both EASA and a degree. In terms of hiring people, I never hire new people for short term but instead look at how they can move forward in the industry,” said Chun.

“This is a boom industry. I have been involved in it for more than 35 years and it has been growing, save for a dip in 2001. Over the next decade, the number of commercial aircraft will grow by more than 40%, resulting in a great demand for aircraft maintenance engineers,” said Chun.

“The VLE is provided in addition to the normal lectures, tutorials and practical sessions that we already offer. Combining the VLE from KLM UKE with the exceptional facilities at Nilai University will give our students an even better learning experience,” says Prof Datuk Dr Sothi Rachagan, vice- chancellor of Nilai University.

Simon Rhodes, head of KLM UKE Technical College, is effusive of the benefits of the VLE. “The VLE consists of course materials, quizzes and forums. Students will also be able to interact with KLM UKE instructors in the UK. So if they don’t understand any particular part of a subject or lesson, they can ask questions. Our instructors will post textual responses or videos.

“A key benefit of the VLE is that it allows students to share knowledge among themselves. They can ask each other questions and this helps with their social learning and this is where the VLE becomes really powerful.

“The VLE is broken down into chapters and there are quizzes at the end of each chapter. Students put in their answers and the VLE will indicate if the answers are correct or wrong, which allows selfassessment. Students can use forums if they are not sure of a concept and post questions for instructors who can help them understand their materials better. Students can also post pictures and create their own learning space.

“The VLE is powerful in the sense that it allows for social learning and tailors to a generation that is used to using social media platforms.”

Nilai University launched its Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in 2007 and obtained full accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency ( MQA) in 2010 while the Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology received MQA accreditation in 2013.

It has support from Kingston University, which provides external assessors and advisors. The institution is located just a 15- minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and is rated SETARA Tier 5: Excellent by the MQA.

For more information, visit www. nilai. edu. my or call 06- 850 2308.