Brunei Shell Marketing Company (BSM) recently launched the Master Mechanics Program.
In a launch ceremony held at Tarindak D’Seni, Managing Director of BSM Muhammad Norshafiee Dato Paduka Hj Abd Jalil said that the Master Mechanics Program has been meticulously designed to provide mechanics with a comprehensive platform for expanding their knowledge.
He further highlighted that the comprehensive initiative encompasses lubricants, engine technology, industry standards, customer service, and business development, showcasing BSM’s unwavering commitment to driving the development of the automotive sector.
“Gone are the days when a wrench and a manual were sufficient tools for their trade. Today, mechanics must be proficient at working with complex computer systems, understand intricate electronics, and troubleshoot software-related issues on top of delivering excellent customer service,” he said.
“This evolution is an opportunity to elevate their profession and secure their relevance in the years to come,” he further added.
On his part, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah lauded BSM’s visionary initiative in his speech, expressing strong confidence that this program will significantly benefit mechanics in the country, nurturing their development and enhancing their automotive skills to serve the needs of our vehicles effectively and efficiently.
He further added that despite the challenges, the automotive sector will always be a viable career choice for job seekers and the Master Mechanics Program provides a platform for job opportunities as well as business support to mechanics who are interested to go the entrepreneurship route by opening their own workshops in the future.
“Over the past five years, we have seen 667 technical students graduating from IBTE as mechanics and out of these 667, it is encouraging to know that 60 per cent are currently employed as mechanics,” the minister shared.
“However, the remaining graduates have either furthered their studies or ventured into other career paths and 25 per cent of these graduates unfortunately remained unemployed,” he said.
“This is where leaders in the automotive industry can come together and play a role to improve this scene,” he further added.
According to BSM, the Master Mechanics program has already received over 500 registrations since it was launched.
The program is open to all automobile mechanics working as part of the engagement strategy, BSM has also engaged with IBTE Mechanical Campus to raise awareness about the programme.
Participants in the Master Mechanics program will be given the opportunity to refine their skills through the Shell Workshop Academy, gaining insights into the quality standards of Shell Lubricants.
The participants will be evaluated through practical challenges and quizzes where the top performers will be given advanced training and have the opportunity to develop a sustainable business plan with support through the BSM Business partner ecosystem which includes Shell Helix Branded workshop programs.
In addition to that, there will also be job matching opportunities facilitated by BSM and BSM business partners.
During the event, BSM also launched the Shell Mechanic Loyalty program,as part of BSM’s appreciation for the automotive mechanics in the Sultanate.
The program is aimed at rewarding mechanics for encouraging customers to choose Shell lubricants as part of their vehicle maintenance regime.
BSM also introduced the ‘Untuk Pasaran Brunei’ feature of authentication labels with a QR function on all Shell lubricant products to assure customers that these products are authentic and meet the product quality specifications.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
