Holding "Inquiry-based Classes" for Students at the Shibaura Institute of Technology Junior High School
IHI is holding "inquiry-based classes" for students at Shibaura Institute of Technology Junior High School. The school is located near the IHI Head Office in Toyosu (Koto Ward, Tokyo).
The classes are for 7th graders at the school. The aim is to stimulate students' interest in engineering and science, teach them about the importance of monozukuri (Japanese-style manufacturing) and the ethics of engineering, and assist them in identifying their own interests and aptitudes to guide their career choices. The classes are jointly planned by IHI and the school, and have been held continuously since 2021.
In fiscal 2025, four classes were held in June, with a total of 168 students participating. On the day of classes, four IHI engineers gave lectures at the Toyosu Campus of the Shibaura Institute of Technology. Classes were followed by a tour of our company museum "i-muse IHI HISTORY MUSEUM" on the first floor of the Toyosu IHI Building.
The classes focused on topics such as job duties, reasons for pursuing a career in engineering, reasons for joining IHI, and important aspects of monozukuri. During the Q&A session following the classes, students asked a wide range of questions including "What did you find most difficult about your research as a student?" and "What do you enjoy doing outside of work?" In addition to deepening students' understanding of technical jobs, the classes also helped students envision a career in technology.
During the tour of the IHI museum, an i-muse staff member gave a presentation on the history and technology of the IHI Group. The students were shown documents and exhibits on the diverse products that the IHI Group has produced over the years, from ships and land-based machinery to power plants and aerospace technology. The students listened attentively to the explanations and took photos.
Participating students shared their thoughts on the classes: for example, "I became interested in IHI technology," "Normally, I don't have a chance to speak with engineers in person, so it was interesting to hear firsthand about their experiences and the technologies they have developed," and "I learned that in order to create new technology, it's important to collaborate with a variety of people and think from various perspectives." In addition to helping students understand the duties of engineers, the classes also provided an opportunity for students themselves to consider the important aspects of monozukuri.
Through these classes and similar activities, IHI will continue to deepen ties with the local community and actively nurture the next generation of engineers.