FT Unram Sends 10 Selected Students for Internship at Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia 2024
Mataram, University of Mataram – In order to build strategic collaboration in the field of automotive engineering and racing, the Faculty of Engineering, University of Mataram (FT Unram) officially established a partnership with Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia through The Mechanic Challenge 2024 program. This agreement was signed by the Dean of FT Unram and the Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia in a formal event at the Prof. Morisco Conference Room, Building A FT Unram, on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
As part of this collaboration, ten FT Unram students were selected to intern as mechanics during the four Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia series that will take place at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). This golden opportunity gives them direct access to the world of international racing.
Here are the details of the four series of Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia:
Series 1: August 30, 31 and September 1, 2024
Series 2: October 11, 12 and 13, 2024
Series 3: November 1, 2 and 3, 2024.
Series 4: December 6, 7 and 8, 2024
A link Between Education and the International Racing Industry
Marketing Director of Porsche Sprint Challenge Indonesia, Indra Hendradi, stated that the Porsche league in Indonesia is part of a global network, making it the 34th Porsche league in the world. Indra also revealed that the closest countries that hold similar leagues are Australia and Japan. This opportunity, in his perspective, is not just about racing, but also about the connection between the racing industry and educational institutions, particularly with FT Unram, as a leading university in Lombok.
Indra also explained that student interns will be contracted for one season and given full access, “In the MoU, the contract is for 1 season. Selected students are given the widest possible access to technology and there are obligations in the contract such as time discipline, attitude and others.”
Rigorous Selection for Golden Opportunities
Becoming part of this prestigious program was not easy either. From 50 applicants, Porsche conducted a series of rigorous internal selections, including in-person interviews. As a result, 10 students who met the criteria were announced on the day of the cooperation signing, Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Indra added that this internship program could be a gateway for FT Unram students to continue their careers in the Asia Pacific racing industry.
“This internship can pave the way for students. Who knows the achievements of local mechanics can be glimpsed by the Asia Pacific team to work in the racing industry,” he said optimistically.
Indra added that there will be opportunities for student interns to be recruited as permanent employees based on student performance during the four series.
The ten students who passed the selection process are:
- M. Harijul Mabrur
- M. Alfatih Habibi
- Nanti Sarwa Kinasih
- M. Irawan Atmiyadi
- M. Tegar
- Baginda Arsy Muhammad
- Lalu Sultan Giri Tanjung
- Ody Kurniawan
- Hasnatun Nabilah
- Maulana Siregar
Selection Criteria and Challenges Ahead
To be selected, students must meet various criteria, including practical mechanical work experience and a basic understanding of mechanical tools. In addition, foreign language proficiency is also an important consideration in this selection.
Selected students will begin their apprenticeship as junior mechanics. In the early stages, they will be given general material related to mechanics, before later being directed to certain specializations based on their respective interests and expertise.
“Students will mostly assist the chief mechanic. Make this opportunity as an entry point to achieve wider access,” said Indra.
The nearest race will be held this weekend, and the next series will be held in October – December 2024.
Full Support from Campus
Dean of FT Unram, Ir. Muhamad Syamsu Iqbal, Ph.D., considered this program as an important step in shaping students’ competition mentality, as well as preparing them to face challenges in the real world of work. He emphasized that this opportunity is a strategic step that needs to be utilized well by students.
“Thank you to Porsche for contributing to producing reliable, and more competitively and mentally prepared workforce. We really appreciate what Porsche has done,” he said.
Syamsu also hopes that FT Unram students can maintain the good name of the alma mater and these 10 selected students get the opportunity to be recruited as permanent employees.