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For years, vocational education has often been seen as a pathway for students who are not academically capable or unlikely to earn a good income.
Many assume that graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training, better known as TVET, will remain in entry-level technical jobs, with little opportunity to move into leadership or management.
However, Muhammad Nazmil Yazi’s journey proves otherwise.
After graduating from a vocational college, Nazmil started his career as a mechanic, with the young automotive enthusiast working his way up to become the branch manager of Nasr Utara Automotif’s Changlun branch at just 24 years old.
Today, he oversees the workshop’s daily operations, employees, customer service, sales performance and business targets.
For Nazmil, TVET was never a second choice or a dead end. Instead, it was the foundation that allowed him to build practical skills, understand the industry from the ground up and eventually earn the trust to lead an entire branch.
Childhood interest in cars
Nazmil’s interest in the automotive industry began long before he entered vocational college.
Since childhood, he had been fascinated by cars and often wondered how different vehicle components worked.
I have been interested in cars since I was young. I enjoyed watching how vehicles were repaired and always wanted to know the function of every component.
“As I grew older, my interest became stronger, and it eventually turned into the career I am pursuing today,” he told WeirdKaya.
After completing PT3, Nazmil decided to pursue Automotive Studies at Kolej Vokasional Nibong Tebal in Penang.
Rather than following a conventional academic route, he chose an education pathway that allowed him to spend more time learning through practical experience.
I chose a vocational college because I believed that hands-on learning suited my interests better.
“The college placed greater emphasis on practical training compared to theory. With more practical experience, it was easier for me to adapt when I entered the industry.”
At first, Nazmil was simply following his passion for cars. However, as he progressed through his studies, he realised that TVET could lead to more than an entry-level technical job.
I began to understand that TVET opened up many career opportunities, not only as a mechanic but also in management, supervision and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Started working as a mechanic at around 20yo
After completing his studies with a KV Diploma in 2018, Nazmil immediately entered the automotive industry.
At around 20 years old, he applied to work at a workshop that provided opportunities to TVET graduates. His main goal at the time was simple: gain as much practical experience as possible.
As a mechanic, Nazmil handled routine vehicle maintenance, engine oil services, fault diagnosis, component repairs and vehicle inspections.
He also assisted more experienced mechanics with complicated technical issues to expand his knowledge.
Although his vocational education had prepared him with essential skills, he quickly learned that working full-time came with a different level of responsibility.
During industrial training, we were still being guided. But when we began working full-time, we had to make our own decisions, communicate with customers and solve problems within a short period.
“It taught me a lot about the realities of the working world.”
One of his biggest challenges was proving himself as a young person in an industry where customers often placed their trust in older and more experienced workers.
As a young person, we have to work harder to earn the trust of our colleagues, bosses and customers,” he said.
Instead of allowing their doubts to discourage him, Nazmil focused on delivering consistent results.
He gave his full commitment to every assignment and gradually took on responsibilities beyond repairing vehicles.
Besides technical work, he began assisting with the workshop’s daily operations, communicating with customers and resolving issues that arose throughout the day.
Over time, the management began to notice his potential.
Promoted to branch manager
Nazmil said becoming a manager was never the main goal he had set for himself when he started working.
Rather than focusing on securing a particular title, he concentrated on performing every responsibility to the best of his ability.
I never made the position my main target. My focus was simply to do my best in every responsibility given to me.
“When the opportunity came, I accepted it as a responsibility and a new challenge,” he explained.
Nazmil believes his discipline, sense of responsibility, willingness to learn and ability to solve problems were among the qualities that convinced the company he was ready to lead a branch.
At 24, he was officially appointed as a branch manager.
I felt extremely grateful and proud to be given such a huge level of trust at a young age. At the same time, I understood that the responsibility I carried had also become much greater.”
Despite his experience in the workshop, Nazmil admitted that he initially felt nervous about taking on the position.
However, he viewed the challenge as another opportunity to grow.
I believe every experience helps us become more mature. I always see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and become more professional.”
Had to prove himself
Even after becoming a manager, Nazmil continued to face doubts because of his young age.
Some customers and individuals in the automotive industry were initially uncertain about whether he was capable of managing an entire branch.
However, Nazmil believed that trust could not be demanded through words alone.
There were customers and people in the industry who were doubtful because I was still young.
“But trust is not earned through words. It is earned through results and consistent performance,” he said.
Instead of leading from behind a desk, Nazmil chose to work closely with his team. He regularly went onto the workshop floor, listened to his employees’ concerns and assisted them when necessary.
I choose to lead by example. I work alongside my team, understand the challenges they face and remain ready to help whenever needed. When they see my commitment, the trust comes naturally.”
Nazmil also made an effort to respect employees who may be older or have more experience than him.
To me, being a leader is not merely about giving instructions. A leader must also listen to other people’s views and work together as a team.”
His experience as a mechanic helps him lead
Today, Nazmil is responsible for overseeing the workshop’s entire operation.
His responsibilities include monitoring sales performance, customer service, employee development, spare parts inventory, work quality, workshop cleanliness and the company’s business targets.
Moving into management also required him to learn skills that were different from repairing vehicles, such as leadership, financial management, communication and decision-making skills.
However, Nazmil’s experience as a mechanic gave him a valuable understanding of the challenges his team faced.
Because I have been in their position before, I understand their difficulties better and can provide them with better support,” he explained.
His biggest challenge now is ensuring that every part of the business remains balanced. Customers expect fast and high-quality service, employees require guidance, while the workshop must also achieve its business targets.
Despite the pressure, Nazmil said his proudest achievement has been watching the Changlun branch grow, where he has seen improvements in its performance, the trust placed in it by customers, and the development of a stronger team.
‘TVET graduates can become leaders too’
Looking back, Nazmil believes his vocational education played a major role in preparing him for the industry.
Besides technical knowledge, Kolej Vokasional taught him discipline, teamwork, problem-solving, professional conduct, and the basics of workshop management.
Nazmil disagrees with the idea that TVET graduates can only remain in technical or entry-level positions.
TVET provides a very strong foundation for someone to build a career.
“If a person continues learning, improves their skills and has a good attitude, they can become a supervisor, manager or even a successful entrepreneur.”
By working as a mechanic first, Nazmil gained a deeper understanding of the workshop’s daily operations and could make more informed decisions as a manager.
In the automotive industry, practical experience is extremely important because it proves that someone can solve real problems in the workplace.
“I hope Malaysians will begin to view TVET as an education pathway with a promising future, rather than an option with limited career growth.”
He also hopes to continue improving his management knowledge, help the company open more branches and train more skilled workers in the automotive industry, all while nursing his dream of having his own company.
I hope I can help produce more successful TVET graduates and share my experience so that they will believe this field offers very wide career prospects.
“Starting as a mechanic does not mean you will remain there forever. With continuous effort, you can become a supervisor, manager or even a successful entrepreneur.
I am proof that a TVET graduate can hold a leadership position at a young age.”
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