EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF MECHANICAL COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT ON CERTIFICATION ON WORK PERFORMANCE AT PT. XYZ

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the impact of mechanical competency development through training and certification programs on the work performance of mechanics at PT XYZ, a nationally scaled heavy equipment distribution company. The main problem addressed is the relatively high failure rate of mechanics in certification exams, particularly in the theoretical aspect, which is caused by the misalignment between training materials and certification exam content. This gap leads to lower certification pass rates and directly impacts longer job completion times (lead time) as well as potential increases in operational costs. The study employs a quantitative approach using surveys, secondary data collection from the company’s SAP system, and multiple regression statistical analysis to examine the relationship between training, certification, work experience, and mechanic performance. The findings reveal that certification has a more dominant effect compared to training alone in improving performance, particularly in reducing job lead time. Quantitative analysis further demonstrates that certification accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in performance scores, meaning that certified mechanics are able to complete tasks faster, more accurately, and more efficiently than uncertified ones. In addition, work experience and the frequency of task repetition are proven to be critical factors contributing to optimal performance, showing that learning through hands-on practice cannot be fully replaced by formal training. These results emphasize that an ideal mechanic development strategy should integrate training, certification, and field experience in a balanced manner to enhance competency, reduce certification failure rates, lower operational costs, and ultimately improve productivity and customer satisfaction.