Soar high with the right qualification
SINCE its inception in 2008, the Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (DAME) offered at Nilai University has incorporated the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) syllabi, preparing students for the EASA Part 66 category B1.1 and B2 licence exams.
Students will sit for the EASA license examination simultaneously while pursuing the diploma – the first step in gaining a full EASA licence.
EASA is the core agency of a new, cost-efficient regulatory system in Europe.
DAME is open to both science and non-science stream students. However, students will need:
> Three Credits in Mathematics, and Physics or Science
> Passed Bahasa Malaysia and English
> Passed Sejarah
Also, students should be medically fit with excellent eyesight and hearing.
Jason Tan Jen Keat graduated with a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in 2016. He worked in an MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) company specialising in helicopter repairs and overhaul.
The business-savvy Tan opted to be an entrepreneur after a few years. The technical know-how gained during his studies and work experience gave him an avenue to start an ingenious business model supplying qualified professionals for electrical installation in factories.
Tan says the multi-faceted learning environment at Nilai University encouraged him to mix with coursemates from different countries.
He also developed soft skills, which gave him the confidence to communicate with his French and Chinese colleagues during his previous employment.
When Charles Tee first clambered into the cockpit at age 19, he knew that his calling lay in the aviation industry. During an interview at GE Aviation, the interviewer asked him to explain how to tie a three-bolt wire and a gas turbine engine system.
Luckily, Tee was able to recall what he had learned during his time studying for a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, which earned him the position.
A glimpse of the programme structure
The overall course structure comprises both theory and handson training. In the first year, students will study eight subjects. In the second year, they will have to complete another nine subjects.
Propelling a conducive learning environment, facilities at Nilai University are among the best in the country. The purpose-built hangar has two aircraft and students have access to proper tooling and equipment during practical training.
DAME also offers further advancement. After obtaining their diploma, students can pursue their Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology at Nilai University or join the workforce.
Students will take only a year to complete the Advanced Diploma and upon completion, they will receive an engineering degree from Kingston University, UK.
Once enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, students can apply through the Royal Aeronautics Society and register as an Incorporated Engineer.
The Diploma and Advanced Diploma with a top-up UK degree from Kingston University offers students the flexibility to either pursue a career as a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer or move on to supervisory and management roles.
A UK degree is internationally recognised, allowing a person to move around easily.
The top-up degree, BEng (Hons) in Aircraft Engineering, is more to move people on to supervisory roles in the industry with longterm career options and rewards.
Although the aircraft engineering technology programmes enable various career options, having an EASA licence is mandatory to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer.
“The Malaysia aviation industry is rapidly changing. In the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint (2015) forecast by 2030, the industry will generate an estimated annual revenue of US$14.3bil (RM59.8bil) – there are opportunities for relatively good income positions in Malaysia,” said Nilai University Department of Aircraft Maintenance under the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Technology programme coordinator Dr Louie Longasa Timajo.
This is another highly rewarding field to be in. An aircraft licensed engineer will be responsible for aircraft worth hundreds of millions of dollars and whether it leaves the ground. Most importantly, it is about the safety of the passengers.
“I classify this profession as AWO (All Weather Operations Engineers). If you are working in Europe, you will likely work in frigid weather,” said senior instructor Selvarajah A/L Chelliah.
To reach great heights, students can acquire the relevant and sound technical know-how through the various levels of tertiary education – diploma, advance diploma and an honours degree.
Scholarships available
Nilai University offers seven types of partial and full scholarships which are academic-based, athlete/leadership-based and needs-based.
Education counsellors and experienced lecturers will guide students throughout the application process.
Nilai University is open daily except on public holidays.