An ongoing series looking at the master artisans supporting the automotive industry. For the 15th installment, we speak with a master craftsperson who assembles parts with no deviation from design values.
Century Training and Century Craftsperson Certification
When a supervisor approached Tanaka about the Century project, he recalls being so thrilled that he spontaneously punched the air in excitement.
Tanaka
I feel the weight of responsibility in working on Toyota’s most prestigious model, with a long history. At the same time, I was motivated by the chance to take on new challenges, such as the cutting-edge structure and unique production methods.
This was my first time to be involved in setting up production for a new model. I learned a great deal from collaborating with various people during the startup process, from development to production engineering and the factory floor.
Overjoyed to be working on the Century, Tanaka’s time on the project began with Century Training, a compulsory curriculum for the model’s 40 assembly line workers, and the Century Craftsperson Certification exam.
Over the course of some five months, the training focused on three elements: the advanced skills needed to streamline assembly and build quality into the vehicle; the deep knowledge that provides an understanding of everything from the vehicle’s structure and features to the Century’s history and unique high-quality fabrication techniques; and a mindset committed to meticulous, customer-oriented monozukuri.
The certification exam, meanwhile, consisted of three stages: a preliminary test to check mastery of basic skills; a written exam to test understanding in various subjects, including Century history, vehicle structure, and customer attributes; and a practical exam, using a real car to ascertain skill levels. Only after passing all sections is an individual allowed to take their spot on the assembly line as a Century craftsperson.
Tanaka
The written exam was more difficult than the practical, with 200 questions, but I got through it by hitting the books hard for the first time since my student days.
I learned many new things, from the history of Toyota and the Century to the car’s unique high-quality fabrication techniques. It was an invaluable experience.
