The Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak (AWISAR) was established in December 2010 by the Sarawak Skills Development Centre in collaboration with the Sarawak Foundry and Engineering Industries Association. It is a smart partnership between a training institution and the industries to increase the pool of skilled human resources in line with industry needs.
AWISAR is strategically located at Demak Laut Industrial Estate in Kuching, Sarawak and offers various Malaysian Skills Certificate and Malaysian Skills Diploma courses/programmes in Automotive and Welding. As part of the Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institutions, AWISAR is able to draw on the strengths and talents of Sarawak Skills’ vast network of stakeholders comprising the government, various sectors of industry, and alumni.
As a training and education provider, an important part of its teaching, training and learning ecosystem is the all-important need to keep abreast of industry developments and trends, to ensure that the skills and qualifications of its graduates are comprehensive and relevant to the requirements of the industries. In this respect, the institute’s competitive advantage comes from its strong ties (collaboration) with the relevant industry sectors. Indeed, the contributions by the industries in curriculum design and review ensure that AWISAR’s programmes prepare its students/trainees for the seamless transition from the classroom to the world of work.
Currently, AWISAR offers three (3) Malaysian Skills Certificate (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia – SKM) and two (2) Malaysian Skills Diploma (Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia – DKM) programmes in Automotive and Welding Technology. These skills-based programmes comply with the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS). The NOSS was developed by industry experts to ensure the relevance of each programme to industry needs. At AWISAR, the students/trainees are assessed/evaluated to ensure that they acquire the relevant knowledge and skills for specific competency level(s). The certificates are issued by the Department of Skills Development (JPK), an agency under the Ministry of Human Resources.
AWISAR also offers various short courses in Automotive and Welding for working adults. In this respect, the institute works closely with the industries to advance the noble cause of Human Capital Development, especially in the area of reskilling and upskilling the workforce. Joint initiatives include a three-month Advanced Welding Programme in collaboration with Petronas.
AWISAR’s team of instructors and trainers are professionals who have a blend of academic and industry credentials. They inspire their students/trainees to strive for excellence as they progress along the journey to acquire the relevant technical and soft skills to gain a competitive edge in today’s global environment.