By Kamaliza Kamaruddin
MARANG: Nineteen-year-old Nur Izzatie Mohd Azlan is the only girl among 25 students pursuing the Automotive Services Certificate at Terengganu Skills Development Centre (Tesdec) here.
And all the other students, as well as the lecturers, call her “Mek Pomen” (Mechanic Girl).
“I have been interested in cars, especially four-wheel drive vehicles since I was very young. I’m happy that my family understands my passion and is so supportive of my decision to take up this course after completing my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination. I have never worked at any auto workshop before … it all began here at Tesdec.
“At first I was a little shy to slide under the car and get my hands dirty, but the support from the boys helped me a lot … Alhamdulillah, I can now perform auto service and minor repair,” she told Bernama here yesterday.
While admitting that attending a class in an auto workshop with a spanner in her hand calms her better than being in any sewing or make-up classes, Nur Izzatie, who aspires to be an automotive service consultant, said women who entered the automotive industry could also be in their own league despite the fact that it is a male-dominated industry.
“I hope one day I can provide auto service and repair for other women, especially when their vehicles have unexpected breakdowns,” said the second of five siblings.
The Yayasan Terengganu-sponsored student is expected to complete the course on July 15.
Throughout her course, she receives a monthly allowance of RM160.
Established by the state government in 1996, Tesdec is a skills training institute aimed at providing formal and organised training to local youths.
Apart from the automotive, other courses offered include draughtsmanship, building wiring installation and women’s tailoring. – Bernama
