2022 - INSTEP - Page 5

THE saying “when there’s a will, there’s a way” rings especially true for Olivia Hassan as she braces her way through various challenges in life for a better career in the energy industry.

Persistent in her learning, Olivia obtained her diploma in 2019, after which she spent time with her mother until she passed away in August the same year.

With the advancement of technology, Olivia, then an assistant engineer, felt the need to continuously upskill herself to progress in her field.

Despite having a stable job, she decided to register for the Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP) by Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas (INSTEP), even though it meant having to resign if she were to be selected.

TEP is a 10-month pre-employment sponsorship programme by Petronas Gas Bhd and Malaysia LNG under INSTEP, designed to develop essential technical competencies with generative culture to produce job-ready technicians.

Internationally recognised as a technical learning solutions partner, INSTEP is highly regarded among talents in the energy industry and beyond.

Being selected as a TEP participant made a significant impact in her life since she started the programme in instrumental trade back in July this year.

“If it weren’t for TEP, I wouldn’t have the financial means or opportunity to further upskill myself and pursue a potential career in the energy industry.

“Since young, I have always been eager to know how things work and enjoyed fixing things hands-on. Having ventured into this progressive and dynamic industry, I endeavour to broaden my knowledge and continuously upskill myself to add value to the industry,” she shared.

After two months of Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT), Olivia is excited to be physically present at INSTEP in Terengganu for classroom and practical training.

“Internet connection was a huge issue for me in Dalat. Now that I’m able to feel and touch the equipment, my learning experience has been uplifted,” she said.

The challenges that come with being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated industry will not deter Olivia to strive for the best.

“It is a rewarding journey as I come to understand my different strengths and weaknesses. The process is a challenging yet holistic and comprehensive one.

“I’m 27 years old with a relatively small built, and the youngest female in a team of five learners here at INSTEP. Fortunately, I get along well with everyone,” she said, recalling her age being commented upon when she wanted to further her studies.

“I strongly believe it’s never too late to learn. Learning a new skill or gaining new qualification will never cause harm to your career but will only make it richer,” she said.

For Muhammad Hamizan Fikri Roslan, it was an apprehensive yet rewarding experience joining the Technician Training Programme (TTP), a bridging programme developed in collaboration between Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd and INSTEP.

The second child among four siblings, the 24-year-old Sarawakian has always been fascinated with everything electrical. Following the footsteps of his father as an electrical technician, he enrolled into Kolej Vokasional Bintulu in 2014 after completing his Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) and graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Technology.

Being a part of PETRONAS has always been a dream for him due to the energy and solutions company’s prestigious reputation and global reach.

“Wanting to advance my career, I didn’t think twice about enrolling when I came across the TTP on INSTEP’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

“Even though I was offered the instrumental trade programme due to limited space in the electrical field, I grabbed the chance to challenge myself to become an electrical and instrumental technician after completing the training.

“I still can’t believe I have been chosen as a learner for TTP as the qualification of my vocational diploma certificate is not well known to be a steppingstone to advance,” he said.

He started the TTP programme in August this year and what he enjoyed most was being in INSTEP campus physically, to undergo practical training and handling the equipment hands-on.

Among the challenges was adapting to the instrumentation theories and applications in the beginning as Hamizan’s background is electrical. With the help of dedicated instructors and passionate learners, he saw himself grow and enjoyed the progress.

Hamizan shared that interacting with like-minded peers in a facilitative community has been inspirational as it enabled learners to encourage each other’s endeavours, helping him learn more about himself in terms of leadership capabilities and strengths.

“When it comes to shaping an individual’s career, technical and vocational education training (TVET) is on par with the regular college route.

“Vocational training is proven to effectively prepare individuals for their jobs, and a platform of choice for those who learn better through hands-on teaching and application of theories they have learnt.

“I would strongly advise those who are looking for experiential training through specialised programmes to go for it as the skills and knowledge you learn are yours to keep,” he said.

Committed to being a solutions partner to talents in the energy industry and beyond, INSTEP is passionately pushing boundaries in accelerating competency development through experiential learning, meaningful improvements to quality-of-life, and contributing to business and sustainability developments.

Established in 1981, INSTEP has become an internationally recognised technical learning solutions partner. The signature Bridging Programmes conducted at INSTEP this year have upskilled more than 150 local Sarawakian talents under Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP) and customised Technician Training Programme (TTP). As a technical training arm of PETRONAS, INSTEP helps accelerate Malaysia’s human capital development by providing access to education for local communities and to support the needs of future talents pipeline in line with PETRONAS Sustainability Agenda.