Building skills and professionalism through industrial training: a hands­-on experience in engine system troubleshooting

Industrial training has played a significant role in shaping the journey of every engineering student, including myself. As a final-year Diploma student in Electrical Engineering (Electronics) from UiTM Permatang Pauh, I had the opportunity to undergo a four-month internship at BBV Engineering, a company specializing in marine engine systems and maintenance. Reflecting on this experience, it turned out to be more practical and challenging than I initially expected, allowing me to better understand my strengths, areas for improvement, and future career direction. Throughout my internship, I was exposed to real-world engineering tasks, particularly involving diesel engine systems, electronic control units, and sensor-based monitoring systems. This experience allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had learned in classroom to actual industrial applications. Over time, I gained valuable insights into engine operations, troubleshooting techniques, and the importance of precision in handling technical equipment. These experiences not only enhanced my technical skills but also contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. One of my main responsibilities as an intern was assisting in engine inspection and maintenance, including checking battery voltage using a multimeter, reconnecting sensors according to the technical manual, and preparing equipment such as the Local Operating Panel (LOP) before engine testing. Some of these tasks were new to me, but with guidance from my supervisors and technicians, I was able to understand the procedures step by step. These tasks required precision, focus, and patience, and over time, I became more confident in handling tools and equipment.
In addition, I had the opportunity to use the LOP to manually control engine operations. This included monitoring sensor data such as temperature, pressure, and speed while adjusting the engine RPM. I learned how to determine whether an engine was safe to operate based on sensor readings, and how automatic shutdown systems function when limits are exceeded. This hands-on experience helped me understand the importance of safety systems in preventing engine failure.