KuriYama Auto Industry Hosts a 3-Day Internship for Local Middle School Students

KuriYama Auto Industry's Commitment to Local Education

KuriYama Auto Industry Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, is dedicated to selling, purchasing, and renting used trucks, along with parts sales. The company is striving for a sustainable society by promoting environmentally friendly vehicles and recycling. As part of its commitment to the local community, KuriYama held a three-day workplace experience for students from Ninoe Junior High School. This initiative, named "Challenge the Dream", is a component of their ongoing educational support program that started in 2018. This year, students had the opportunity to work in three departments: Sales, Parts, and Marketing, allowing them to experience the joy of contributing to society through work.

Day 1: Sales Department – Facing Customers

On the first day, students accompanied sales staff to gain insight into customer interaction. They visited various companies where they practiced greeting clients, exchanging business cards, and engaging in mock consultations using inventory catalogs. Observing the sales representatives closely taught them the importance of customer service fundamentals and building trust in professional relationships.

Student's Comment: "I found it impressive how they communicated the value of trucks to customers. I realized that working is not just about earning money, but also about considering how to interact with others."

Day 2: Parts Department – Supporting Trucks on the Ground

The second day was spent in the Parts Department, where students engaged in hands-on activities within the maintenance facility. They learned about various tasks including checking the functionality of parts, cleaning and washing, dismantling, and processing imagery for online listings. This day highlighted the connection between manufacturing and recycling, demonstrating how parts can be reused and reintegrated into the community.

Student's Comment: "It felt refreshing to know that the parts we cleaned and dismantled would benefit customers."

Day 3: Marketing Department – The Power of Communication

On the final day, students delved into the world of information dissemination in the Marketing Department. Utilizing ChatGPT, they worked on drafting press releases, designing inventory catalog covers, and creating emails for new stock announcements. Initially overwhelmed by the complexity of the tasks, the students found direction when instructed to ask ChatGPT questions. This method significantly boosted their understanding, leading them to organize their thoughts while producing impressive catalog designs that exceeded expectations.

Employee's Comment: "It reaffirmed my realization that utilizing AI requires organizing one’s thoughts and articulating them clearly."

CEO's Statement

KuriYama's President, Tomohiro KuriYama, expressed, "As a local company, we value opportunities for children in our community to appreciate the significance of work. The continuous success of our initiative is attributed to the cooperation of every employee and the trust we have built within the community. We aspire to walk alongside the local community continually."

Looking Ahead

KuriYama Auto Industry intends to sustain its partnership in the "Challenge the Dream" initiative as part of their educational support. The goal is to help each student uncover their potential, nurture their aspirations for the future, and foster a desire to work. The contributions to the development of the ability to think independently, take action, and engage with society align with the objectives of Challenge the Dream, steering the learnings of the participating students towards a brighter future.