Akishima Office and Mizuho Aero-Engine Works Provide Workplace Experiences for Local Junior High School Students
Every year, the IHI Akishima Office and Mizuho Aero-Engine Works conduct a workplace experience program for junior high school students from eight local schools. This year, three students from Fussa Daini Junior High School took part in this three-day initiative, held from September 17 to 19.
The first day started with an overview to provide the students with a deeper understanding of IHI. The students were then given explanations of IHI’s aero engines and space development equipment, along with their underlying technologies, in the exhibition area of the Akishima Office.
The students toured the Mizuho Aero-Engine Works in the morning of the second day and then, in the afternoon, engaged in hands-on learning at the Akishima Office. At the Mizuho Aero-Engine Works, they gained a better understanding of the work done at the plant through an explanation of the mechanics of flight, using an actual aero engine, etc. They then got to experience the actual inspection work required for aero engine maintenance. They used rivets (see note below) to create their own keychains and then were shown the aero engine test area, the parts repair processes and inspection processes.
At the Akishima Office, the students planned and presented proposals for original IHI products. The ideas presented by the students, such as pens shaped like aero engines made using recycled marine plastic and handkerchiefs featuring the IHI logo and aero illustrations, reflected distinctive facets of IHI.
Note: Riveting securely joins metal plates and other parts by inserting nail-like rivets through holes in materials and using a specialized tool to spread out and clinch the end by beating or pressing.
On the final day, the students acted as museum directors at the Akishima Office exhibition area. Based on their experiences on the first day and what they had studied in advance, they explained IHI’s products and history to IHI employees visiting the exhibition area. The students used trivia, humor, and other techniques to provide clear explanations to the visitors.
After participating in the three-day workplace experience program, the students shared the following.
- “I saw how many different operations, such as repair and inspection, were involved in creating safe engines, and gained an appreciation of how hard that process is.”
- “I’ve felt unsure about my own communication abilities, but through the museum director experience, I had the opportunity to think about and learn techniques for providing clear explanations.”
- “I was able to envision potential work I could do in the future. I’d like to use this experience when considering my own academic and occupational future.”
IHI Group will continue to actively collaborate with the educational efforts of schools through workplace experience programs and other programs and keep fostering tomorrow’s talent.
Note: Tours and workplace experience programs at IHI’s works and offices are mainly for local schools and not for the general public.