Supporting Children's Futures: Career Education in Tamakuro Town Amid Change

On February 5th, 2026, the Randstad Koriyama branch will conduct a special career education program for students at Takano Elementary School in Tamakuro Town, Fukushima Prefecture. This session comes as the school faces closure in March 2026, marking the end of its 152-year history. The event, themed "Whatever Path You Choose, It’s Okay," aims to inspire local students by highlighting regional industry strengths and diverse work opportunities.

Purpose of the Initiative

The motivation behind this initiative is to support children navigating a period of significant change in their educational environment. The Takano Elementary School, which serves as a unique learning space for children who face challenges attending regular school, will bring together students to explore their potential roles in the workforce. The program is designed to shift perceptions from feelings of uncertainty about the future to a sense of empowerment and possibilities.

Engaging with Local Industry and Remote Work

The career education session will feature a two-part structure. The first half will involve quizzes aimed at showcasing the high employment rates in the manufacturing sector—a hallmark of both Fukushima Prefecture and Tamakuro Town, where approximately 35% of jobs are in this field. By highlighting local job contributions to society, students will gain a renewed appreciation for the area's economic landscape.

Moreover, the program will introduce the concepts of flexible work arrangements, such as flex time and remote work, emphasizing how modern employment allows individuals to connect with global opportunities while living locally. This realization will open students' eyes to the variety of career choices available to them.

In the second part, students will participate in an engaging "Remote Job Quiz Competition." By connecting different classrooms through an online conferencing system, participants will engage in discovering and discussing jobs related to their personal interests. This activity will not only utilize modern technology but also encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and career exploration in a fun, interactive way.

Insights from Randstad's Senior Coordinator

Sai Kaobari, a Senior Coordinator from Randstad's Koriyama branch, expressed her enthusiasm for engaging with the children of Tamakuro Town through this unique educational opportunity. According to her, this marks the first career education initiative organized by the Koriyama branch, making it a remarkable chance for students from both the closing elementary school and the associated learning support program housed within it to come together.

The message of "Whatever Path You Choose, It’s Okay" stands as a powerful reminder that regardless of the changes in their environment or past experiences of difficulty, there are always avenues to utilize their strengths and passions in the workforce. By learning about the local industries and modern work styles, students will broaden their horizons and spark excitement for the future.

Event Details

- Date: February 5th, 2026 (Thursday) 10:20 to 12:00 (tentative)
- Location: Takano Elementary School, Tamakuro Town, Fukushima Prefecture
- Participants: Approximately 10 sixth-grade students from Takano Elementary and the associated junior high school class

About Randstad

Randstad N.V., established in 1960 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is a global leader in human resource services, employing over 41,000 staff across 39 countries. Randstad focuses on providing high-quality and diverse flexible workforces to its clients, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and creating better futures for individuals and businesses alike. Recognized for its outstanding initiatives, including its strong LGBTQI+ support and sustainability practices, Randstad plays a crucial role in shaping the future of work.

For more information about Randstad’s career services and initiatives, visit Randstad's website.