Toyota City's First High School 'Apprenticeship' Program Launched! Schools, Companies, and Support Organizations Collaborate to Implement 'Learn While You Earn' Locally

The Asubashi General Incorporated Association (Nagoya, Aichi; Representative Director: Yoshitaka Moke) has coordinated the introduction of an "apprenticeship" program at Suzuhiro Forklift Co., Ltd. (Toyota, Aichi) in collaboration with the Toyota City Industrial Human Resources Activation Division. This initiative targets students from Toyota Nishi High School's evening program, who have been engaged in forklift inspection and repair assistance work for about 7 hours a day, three times a week, since March 16. Launched after preliminary guidance and internships, this project is a new practical model that directly links the human resource development of local companies with the career formation of high school students.

■ What is Apprenticeship?: Practical Education Supporting Youth's 'Professional Independence'

An apprenticeship is a practical learning system where young people acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and work ethic for a job by actually working at a company. By connecting learning at school with practice in the workplace, it develops the workforce that supports local industries and promotes the professional independence of young people.

■ Background and Process of the Initiative

Asubashi General Incorporated Association conducted guidance and preliminary training at Toyota Nishi High School's evening program.

1. Guidance: 8 participants.

2. Training & Internship: All three apprenticeship applicants participated.

3. Ongoing Support: After the start, monthly review sessions are held to provide continuous support for the students to settle into the workplace.

■ Points for Media Coverage

1. The real-life 모습 of high school students learning and working in an actual maintenance field.

2. A unique local support model where the administration (Toyota City), a school (Toyota Nishi High School evening program), and a private organization (Asubashi) collaborate to nurture young people.

3. A process that balances education and social contribution, aiming for the acquisition of national qualifications while gaining practical experience.