Enhancing Engineering Skills through A2 Baseline and Hands-On Training at CTCS

In a recent initiative, BFT Corporation revealed the successful implementation of their training program at CTC System Management Co., Ltd. (CTCS), showcasing how structured skill assessments combined with hands-on workshops have significantly boosted engineering skills among young professionals. The program targets entry-level and associate staff members, identified by the A2 baseline skill level, and aims to cultivate technical proficiency through a well-defined curriculum.

Background of the Initiative

At CTCS, while department-specific training had been showing progress, the need for a unified standard across the company became increasingly vital to enhance job rotation among different business divisions. To address this gap, CTCS developed the A2 baseline, which serves as a framework for visualizing skills across departments.

Approach: Visualizing Skills through Assessments and Hands-On Training

The program includes biannual skill assessments that make challenges visible, enabling the integration of video-based learning with practical hands-on training. This dual approach not only supports the acquisition of technical knowledge but also reinforces understanding through practical exercises at the BFT dojo, known as “Choitore.”

Selection Criteria for the Training

In selecting the training program, several key factors were prioritized:
- Hands-On Training Format: The practical, interactive nature of the training was deemed essential.
- Operational Feasibility: The program was designed for manageable deployment.
- In-Person Sessions: Face-to-face learning opportunities were crucial for effective training.
- Evening Options: Flexibility with evening sessions was another consideration.

Operational Design: An Exclusive Selection of 200 Participants per Year

When launching the program, CTCS focused on practical operations, implementing a selection process that encouraged supervisors to endorse participants. Every six months, 100 engineers are chosen to participate, leading to an annual total of 200 trainees divided into two sessions.

Specified Courses: Ten Designated Sessions Across Seven Fields

As part of the program design, CTCS identified ten specific courses tailored to the seven focal areas of the Choitore hands-on workshops to ensure comprehensive coverage of essential skills.

Results: Demonstrable Skills Improvement

The biannual skill assessments correspond with the A2 baseline evaluation criteria, categorized from 0 (no understanding) to 3 (demonstrating applied knowledge). Following this structured training, an observable improvement of 0.1 to 0.3 points was recorded on average among the 100 participants over six months.

Leadership Commentary

Yoshito Nakao, the Human Resource Strategy Department Director at CTC System Management, remarked, “We aim to focus on how we can provide our trainees with the necessary resources to contribute meaningfully to the company.”

This initiative not only enhances individual competencies but also contributes to the overall strength of CTCS as an organization, demonstrating a commitment to the sustained development of its human resources.

For further reading on the training case study, you can view the detailed article on the BFT YOROZU blog here. Additionally, for more information about the BFT dojo, requests can be made through their website.

About BFT Corporation

Established in April 2002, BFT Corporation specializes in system consulting, system development, and IT training services. With an employee count of 461 as of April 2026, BFT operates with a vision of being a partner in shaping business outcomes and societal progress through technology. They believe that generating true value from systems necessitates a robust foundation of knowledge within the companies utilizing these systems, thus making the education and development of personnel a core aspect of their mission.