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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.
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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.
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