On 27 August 2024, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd (“Northport”), a member of MMC Group, launched the Northport Apprenticeship Programme as an initiative to enhance local talent development while empowering the workforce within its community. This programme aims to equip aspiring local talents with the essential knowledge and skillset needed for employment as prime mover drivers within Northport and its strategic partners in the ports and logistics industry.

The Northport Apprenticeship Programme was launched in conjunction with the ‘Program Latihan dan Profesionalisme Industri Pelabuhan dan Haulier Peringkat Kebangsaan’. This training and licensing programme, spearheaded by the Port Klang Authority (“PKA”), and jointly participated by Northport and Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“Westports”), was officially launched by the Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, and the Minister of Human Resources, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a ceremony held at Northport.

The apprenticeship programme will be coordinated by Northport through its training centre, the Northport International Centre of Excellence (“NICE”). Up to now, the programme has successfully attracted 50 individuals from the Port Klang community to participate. By offering a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses both technical and soft skills training, the programme ensures participants are well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry.

In a broader context, the Northport Apprenticeship Programme aims to assist the Government in achieving its socio-economic objectives while supporting the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) initiatives. It also ensures that participants gain valuable industry-specific skills, making them an ‘industry-ready’ workforce and placing them on a specific career path as skilled operational workers.

“We believe that investing in the skills and potential of our local talents is not just about filling job roles, but it is also about building a sustainable future for our community and driving economic growth. The Northport Apprenticeship Programme is a testament to our commitment to nurturing talent, empowering individuals, and creating opportunities that benefit the industry, the State, and the country as a whole,” said Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of Northport.