What happened at the “Company Learning Academy Course: Information Session and Discussion for the Next Fiscal Year”
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the “Company Learning Academy Course: Information Session and Discussion for the Next Fiscal Year” was held at the Ai Theater in Geibunkan Hall.
A total of 40 companies, nine junior and senior high schools, and one board of education representative attended. The tables were roughly divided by industry, including welfare, construction, and childcare.
Part 1 was an information session. First, the Kurashiki City Labor and Employment Policy Division gave a report on the results for fiscal 2024 and explained the business plan for fiscal 2025. After that, two companies presented case studies.
Since companies joining the program for the first time next fiscal year were also in attendance, the case studies clearly explained tips and key points for conducting classes.
The first case study was presented by Shimotsui Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
The key to the class, they said, was to “be clear about what you want to communicate and convey it to the students.” They explained that telling students the purpose of the class at the outset helps them relate to it personally.
They also introduced techniques for keeping students engaged, such as incorporating videos and using quizzes.
Shimotsui Electric Railway had previously brought in a Shimoden bus and let students sit in the driver’s seat. But after hearing students say they were “bored while waiting to get into the driver’s seat,” the company added a workshop to keep students occupied the next time.
Keeping students from getting bored became the key to sparking their interest.
The second case study was presented by KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD.
Using slides from an actual classroom lesson, the company explained how the class was structured to get students interested in KANKO GAKUSEIFUKU CO., LTD. During the workshop, students tried their hand at designing uniforms for their own schools, using a large collection of uniform materials, and the activity was a great success.
The presentation also covered the benefits companies gain from the Company Learning Academy Course. Exchanging with children gives employees a sense of purpose, and the children’s unique perspectives can also lead to new insights.
After the case studies, there was a question-and-answer session, with comments from the perspectives of the board of education, Kurashiki City, and the companies.
After the case studies, Part 2 began following a break. Participants started exchanging views at their tables over coffee.
Many groups discussed ways to keep students engaged in class, sharing a range of ideas, such as “we want to prepare activities that students will enjoy even more” and “what about tailoring activities to students’ ability levels?”
School representatives commented, “We could really see how much effort the companies put into their activities.”
The discussion conveyed how schools, companies, and local government are working together, each bringing great enthusiasm to their efforts.
From the Writer
While reporting on the Company Learning Academy Course, I wondered, “If I were a student, which company’s class would I choose to attend?” With two classes to choose from across a range of industries, including welfare, food service, construction, and entertainment, I imagine I’d have a hard time deciding.
The discussion showed how each company is experimenting with ways to make learning enjoyable for students, and gave me the feeling that the Company Learning Academy Course will continue to grow and improve.
These days, many young people may leave the prefecture, but I think having had the experience of exchanging with local companies can change how connected they feel to the region.
Personally, I hope opportunities like the Company Learning Academy Course, where junior and senior high school students can engage with local companies, will continue in the future.
Company Learning Academy Course (For inquiries, contact the Kurashiki City Labor and Employment Policy Division): Information
Watch this video for more details
【YouTube】Kurashiki City Video Channel Kurashiki City Career Education Promotion Project
| Name | Company Learning Academy Course (For inquiries, contact the Kurashiki City Labor and Employment Policy Division) |
|---|---|
| Address | 640 Nishinakashinden, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-426-3415 |
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