Toyota Technical Skills Academy celebrates 234 graduates in emotional ceremony

The Toyota Technical Skills Academy held its graduation ceremony on February 27, 2026, at the Main Hall of the Toyota Head Office in Toyota City, Aichi. A total of 234 students—110 from the high school course and 124 from the professional course—marked the end of their studies with family, mentors, and Chairman Akio Toyoda in attendance. For many graduates, the journey began with personal inspiration. One student joined after facing the Academy's baseball team in a match, while another was driven by admiration for a senior in the kendo club. Others, like a learner who thought of their father's hard work in the automotive industry, approached their studies with determination.

Chairman Toyoda attended the ceremony as a symbolic 'father' to the students, sharing his hopes for their futures. He urged them to embrace three principles: never giving up, considering others, and supporting one another with kindness. His message also included a call to become individuals who express gratitude toward those who helped them along the way. The graduates left the ceremony with a sense of appreciation for their time at the Academy. Their experiences—both in the classroom and through personal connections—shaped their growth as they prepared for the next chapter.

The 234 graduates now step forward with skills, memories, and the encouragement of Chairman Toyoda's words. Their paths were shaped by mentors, peers, and personal motivations, from sports rivalries to family influences. The ceremony marked not just an ending but the start of new opportunities ahead.