Grateful Tears: 249 Students Venturing on Individual Journeys - Graduation Commemoration at Toyota Technical Abilities Academy
The Toyota Technical Skills Academy recently held its graduation ceremony on February 20, with 249 students celebrating the start of their separate careers. The event was a poignant occasion, marked by expressions of gratitude towards parents and other family members, with Chairman Akio Toyoda in attendance as a symbolic figure, often referred to as the "father" of the Toyota family.
During the ceremony, Chairman Toyoda emphasized the importance of each graduate finding their own unique path. The full text of his speech was published by Toyota Times News, providing insights into his words of wisdom.
One of the graduates, Raimu Okada, spoke about his admiration for his father who also works at Toyota and his personal determination to become a Toyota employee. In his speech, he also expressed his aspiration to become a son his father can be proud of. The reaction of Mr. Okada's father to his son's speech was not specified in the article.
Ririka Ando, a graduate from the high school course, asked Chairman Toyoda for advice on making her workplace welcoming to women, as she will be the only woman there. The response of Chairman Toyoda to her question was not detailed in the article.
In addition to Chairman Toyoda, genba leaders also spoke individually to each graduate during the ceremony. The Toyota Times News covered the event and also featured stories about some of the graduates in the days leading up to the ceremony. However, the article does not mention any specific stories about the graduates published before the event.
After the graduation ceremony, the graduates reunited with their families, many expressing gratitude for their support throughout their time at the Academy. The article does not specify how the graduates' families reacted to their children's speeches.
This graduation ceremony marked the beginning of Japan's graduation season, offering an early glimpse into the country's upcoming celebrations. The Toyota Technical Skills Academy graduation ceremony, covered by Toyota Times, serves as a testament to the hard work, innovation, and dedication to one's craft that is instilled in each graduate.
In his speech, Raimu Okada also spoke about his friendly competition with classmates during his time at the Academy, reflecting the camaraderie and spirit of collaboration that is a hallmark of the Toyota family. As these graduates embark on their new careers, they carry with them the values and skills they have acquired, ready to make their unique contributions to the world.
The speeches made during the Toyota Technical Skills Academy graduation ceremony highlighted the importance of personal growth and self-development in each graduate's career, as expressed by Raimu Okada's admiration for his father and desire to excel at Toyota, and Ririka Ando's quest for a welcoming workplace environment. Education and self-development were not only emphasized by the speakers but also cultivated through friendly competitions and collaboration among classmates, symbolizing the camaraderie and commitment to one's craft instilled within the Toyota family.
