Institut Kemahiran Mara certificate in automotive engineering
Description
Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM), established in 1967 under the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), is Malaysia’s premier network of 20+ vocational training institutes dedicated to empowering Bumiputera youth with practical, industry-aligned skills. As a key pillar of MARA’s TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) ecosystem, IKM serves over 10,000 learners annually across campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and more, fostering inclusivity for rural and urban students from diverse backgrounds. Located in strategic industrial hubs with modern workshops, simulation labs, and digital facilities accessible via public transport, IKM emphasizes hands-on learning, ethical professionalism, and sustainable practices aligned with Malaysia’s Industrial Master Plan 2030 and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Department of Skills Development (JPK), IKM’s programs meet national standards, offering ECTS-equivalent credits under the Bologna Process for international recognition and mobility through partnerships with polytechnics and universities.
IKM’s Faculty of Automotive Technology leads in vehicle engineering education, delivering programs that address Malaysia’s booming automotive sector, including electric vehicles and manufacturing. The Certificate in Automotive Engineering Technology (Commercial), a flagship 1-year full-time qualification (Level 3, 120 ECTS-equivalent), equips students with foundational skills in commercial vehicle maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. This MQA-accredited certificate covers core modules like engine systems, chassis and braking, electrical and electronics, hydraulic systems, and workshop safety, blending theoretical lectures with intensive practical training in IKM’s advanced auto labs. Experiential elements include industry attachments with partners like Proton and Perodua, simulations using diagnostic tools, and projects on hybrid vehicle troubleshooting, preparing graduates for roles as automotive technicians, service advisors, or workshop supervisors. Successful completers earn a versatile certificate recognized by the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp), enabling immediate employment in workshops, fleets, or dealerships, with 85% placement rates.
This certificate serves as a gateway to advanced credentials, articulating into the Diploma in Automotive Engineering Technology (2 years) for deeper expertise in design and management.
Beyond the Certificate in Automotive Engineering Technology, IKM offers a comprehensive array of degrees, diplomas, and certificates across engineering and vocational fields. Foundational options include the Certificate in Welding Technology (6-9 months) for basic fabrication skills and short-cycle certificates in Basic Automotive Servicing (3 months), focusing on routine maintenance and safety protocols. Advanced diplomas encompass the Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering and Diploma in Electrical Technology, emphasizing automation and renewable energy applications. IKM facilitates pathways to bachelor’s degrees through collaborations with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) or polytechnics, such as the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Automotive, with credit exemptions. Postgraduate certificates in Industrial Safety Management and short-cycle credentials in EV Charging Systems support upskilling for professionals, often subsidized via HRD Corp. These modular qualifications, aligned with JPK’s Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM), promote lifelong learning and global competencies through apprenticeships.
Admission to the Certificate in Automotive Engineering Technology requires a pass in SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) or equivalent, with credits in Mathematics and Science preferred; mature candidates with relevant experience qualify via assessment. English/Bahasa Malaysia proficiency applies, with rolling intakes in January, May, and September ensuring accessibility. Fees are subsidized for eligible Bumiputera students, with scholarships available.
IKM’s career services, alumni network, and industry expos connect graduates to opportunities in automotive giants like DRB-HICOM and international firms. Committed to equity, innovation, and green mobility, IKM’s certificates, diplomas, degrees, and advanced qualifications in automotive engineering empower students to drive Malaysia’s industrial future, making it the nation’s hub for vocational excellence.
