As a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components, Alps Electric believes that manufacturing companies are responsible for passing the wonders of monozukuri and the skills associated with it, down to the next generation. In line with this philosophy, many domestic and overseas manufacturing bases regularly hold plant tours, work experience programs and monozukuri classes for children and students from the local community. The following are some examples of such activity in 2007.
The Communication Devices Division’s Soma Plant (Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture) held a plant tour for 69 5th grade pupils from Haramachi Second Elementary School on November 14. The pupils toured through real production lines and learnt about automation and managing product quality. They also learnt about the plant’s refuse separation area as the tour leader explained the importance of recycling and other environmental activities implemented at the plant.
The Division also held a “Family Monozukuri Class” on September 22, which was designed to promote communication between parents and their children through experiencing monozukuri together, and to spark an interest in the electronics industry. The class was attended by 33 Alps and non-Alps families, totaling around 80 people who observed real machinery in operation, and made radios and other things using real industrial tools, resulting in a very enjoyable day.
The Mechatronic Devices Division’s Wakuya Plant (Tohda-gun, Miyagi Prefecture) also cooperated in a work experience program on September 19 and 20 for 10 students from Wakuya Junior High School. The plant prepared activity as part of the school’s integrated learning program for students to learn about monozukuri and what it means to work. The students toured the plant, made robots, and experienced actual assembly of Alps’ products.
As part of its efforts to increase interest in the manufacturing industry, Alps Electric UK (England) held a “Manufacturing Challenge Day” on September 18 for 12 secondary school students. The students faced typical problems confronted in real-life production as they built trucks using interlocking toy bricks. When such problems arose they found solutions by discussions with one another, eventually leading to task completion, thus getting a taste of real-life manufacturing. After these and other challenges, some asked about work experience opportunities at Alps, revealing that the day was a success in fostering an interest in manufacturing.
Alps Electric will continue its efforts in passing down skills and nurturing the future generation by providing opportunities for children to experience the wonders of monozukuri for themselves.
