THE Aviation Society at Nilai University is managed by students pursuing the Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and the Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Technology. It was established mainly to foster camaraderie amongst the like-minded and for students to improve their soft skills.
Leadership skills
At the helm of the Aviation Society is final-year Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering student Rinisha Nehru Thiaku.
“I led my committee in organising a field trip to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2019 in March. It was a major event that everyone looked forward to,” said Rinisha.
She added that her leadership role had taught her valuable skills and in her opinion, the event turned out well because some alumni of Nilai University stepped in to lend a hand when she needed support.
Nilai University Aviation Society members (from left) Che, Wan, Mesamraza, Rinisha and Elma Emily Young.
Stretching beyond one’s comfort zone and developing communication skills
Mesamraza Asgarali Shariff, who hails from Tanzania, enrolled in Nilai University’s Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programme after a family friend told his father about the university. So far, he is enjoying the tranquil and healthy lifestyle there.
“I’m in charge of student affairs and was part of the team that organised a welcoming party for new students this year. Before joining the club, I was an introvert. Now, I enjoy interacting with new students. Networking skills will help me when I’m working professionally,” Mesamraza said.
Learning and growing as a team
“I was there to support Rinisha,” shared Aviation Society vice-president Wan Kah Mun. “I had discussions with Rinisha about the tasks and roles of each member and assigned each task accordingly. I’m a greenhorn at organising events. It is quite an experience and I enjoyed meeting new friends along the way.”
In 2018, Wan joined the Aviation Society and held a post in student affairs. She was assigned to conduct a satisfaction survey for current members.
“We utilised an app platform and designed the survey for immediate responses. It was rather amazing because we achieve a 50% rate of response,” Wan commented.
Second-year Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering student Jack Che Peng Jie recalled the excitement on the day they departed for their field trip: “Everyone was so excited. The committee members had to ensure that everyone was well informed. Through that experience, I learned that discipline is vital and sometimes, we need to be firm.”
Che also had to ensure that all the fees were paid and record all transactions. After keeping the accounts of the Aviation Society on track, Jack applied the same principles to his personal finances.
“Pulling off this assignment was strenuous for all the committee members. However, everyone was happy with the outcome. I was very proud of my teammates,” said Wan.
Cultivating soft skills requires patience and exposure to different social and official settings. It is a continuous learning journey with plenty of trial and error. Therefore, having a safe and trusting environment is equally important.
The Department of Aircraft Maintenance
Since its inception in 2008, the Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering offered at Nilai University has incorporated the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) syllabus, preparing students for Easa Part 66 category B1.1 and B2 licence examinations.
Students will sit for the Easa licence examination simultaneously while pursuing the diploma – the first step towards gaining a full Easa licence.
The overall course structure comprises both theory and hands-on training for students. In the first year, students will study eight subjects such as basic aerodynamics, electrical fundamentals and digital techniques. In the second year, students will have to complete another nine subjects such as human factors, aviation legislation and gas turbine engine.
Students who have completed their Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering may either go into employment or pursue their Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology.
At the advanced diploma level, after a year, students who complete the programme will receive dual awards – an advanced diploma and a BEng (Hons) Aircraft Engineering from Kingston University, UK.
On top of this, students will undergo six months of on-the-job training with Airbus, Air Asia-X or KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Nilai University offers partial and full scholarships. Find out more about the seven types of scholarships available. Nilai University’s counsellors and lecturers will guide you through the application process. The university is open daily except on public holidays.
Call 06-850 2308 for an appointment or click on www.nilai.edu.my or visit the campus in Nilai.
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