The signing of MoU between the Department of Skills Development (DSD or also known as JPK) and Malaysian-German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) in March 2013, enhanced the local industry-institution alliance. In June the following year, the first batch of students for GDVT Logistics Operation Management and GDVT Industrial Management, enrolled at GMI.

Kicking-off this programme, 13 companies have committed training places for Industrial Management and Logistics Operation Management apprentices. Participating companies for Industrial Management include Hauni (M) Sdn Bhd, IKA WORKS (Asia) Sdn Bhd, Kraiburg TPE Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd., Infineon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Robert Bosch (M) Sdn Bhd, TÜV Rheinland (M) Sdn Bhd, and SchÜtz (M) Sdn. Bhd. While Logistics Operation Management is supported by companies like Schenker Logistics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., SGL Carbon Sdn. Bhd., A. Hartrodt Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Panalpina Transport (M) Sdn. Bhd., Logwin Air + Ocean Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, Jowat Manufacturing (Sea) Sdn Bhd. and Bollore Logistics (M) Sdn. Bhd.

The GDVT has become the foundation of the German economic success at the international platform. Bringing the programme to Malaysia will emulate the local public-private partnership and subsequently heighten the Malaysian economy. As this training brings about the alignment between the Malaysian National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) and the German training and regulatory framework plan or standards (Ausbildungsordnungen und Rahmenlehrpläne), trainees are prepared for the best in apprenticeship for which learning at the workplace is considered the most effective domain of learning. Young people who apply for this programme will find it exciting as they are provided with the opportunity to equip themselves with sophisticated skills and competencies within an international business environment. On top of that, the training is free and trainees are provided with monthly training allowance from company. 

Trainees may also look forward to being fully integrated into the company and be part of actual business processes almost like actual employees. The aim of this training programme is to minimize recruitment-related glitches such as mismatch of skills and job responsibilities, and ensures employment for the trainees.The uniqueness of this training programme lies in the training philosophy – whereby the industry and the school (i.e. the training institution) contribute 70%-30%, respectively, to the programme. The three-year training duration combined at both the industry and the school is segmented by blocks. This provides the opportunity for trainees to apply the knowledge which is captured at the school, in the workplace, and immerse in authentic work environment.

After 18 months in this programme, trainees will sit for an intermediate examination and at the end of three years, a final examination combining written tests, oral test and a final year project presentation. 

Upon completion of the training, the young people will be awarded with a Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (a Level 5 NOSS or DLKM) as well as a professional certificate by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

The first two batches of GDVT in Industrial Management and in Logistics Operation Management are funded by Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu). The subsequent three batches of Industrial Management, Logistics Operation Management and the new GDVT programme i.e. Mechatronics are funded by Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK).

Proud partners of this public-private partnership, DSD, MGCC and GMI witnessed the first graduation of 16 apprentices on 15th November 2017. With the new GDVT Mechatronics programme running and many more GDVT programmes in the strategic plan, GMI welcomes young Malaysians to experience learning from a whole new different perspective. A unique learning experience complemented by an authentic workplace exposure – this will be an enriching and exciting life journey for the apprentices and for the country.