What is TEKNIA College?

We want to share our passion for manufacturing since it allows us to solve daily tasks for a better society.

"I would like the technicians from nowadays experience the joy and fun of machining while facing real life manufacturing tasks at the factory." Mr. Takahashi Hiroshige, CEO of TEKNIA Co., found TEKNIA College in 2004.

Within 100 years of the company founding, we have achieved many things: the technicians' skills were acquired by practice and learning from the seniors. The company's skilled technicians have become leaders and provide the mastery of "fun and gratification for being able to manufacture something by your own hands". At TEKNIA College through lectures and practical training in lathe machining centers and real machining environments, we are aiming to contribute to the development of manufacturing in Japan by fostering people who can become talented workers to the society and then passing on our skills and knowledge.

Today, 14 years after we launch TEKNIA College, more than 6000 students have crossed its halls and are active members in the metal processing and manufacturing industry in the Chubu district.

Our students have a proactive and pratical experience in order to handle daily situations. We make sure our practice envirotment is safe and our instructors are able to solve the inquiries of each student due to our personalized model.
Our practical excersices are designed such that our students challenge themselves in order to have gratifying achievements while having fun and "leaving their skin" into the submissions.
As in a dojo: "Training the growth of heart skills to polish the craftsmanship root", is the foundation of TEKNIA College.

I grew up with the lullaby of smelling factory oil and the sound of material being mold by machines. While I was graduating from high school and working part-time at a restaurant, I was lost and didn't know what kind of work I would follow. However, I also used to work part-time at my father's company. I was in charge of replacing material in a machine called NC drilling machine, that was just being introduced at the time.

For me, a computer enthusiast, the craftsman drilling machines were of no concern. Nevertheless, I began seeing and working with them, and without notice, I got completely absorbed into the machining world. I started handing over blueprints and then I quickly became capable of manufacturing pieces on my own.

At the begining, I couldn't do unsupervised machining without the approval of the factory manager. He was an inspiration for everyone, and was passionate about the operation of the NC Turning machine. The day the he was leaving our company, I decided that I would also like to become an expert at operating a Lathe process machine.

One Sunday afternoon, I secretly operated a Lathe manufacturing machine. I would always remember the day when I operate and rotate it, because finally I was able to move the lever that I had seen others using many times. I adjusted the rotation velocity to low speed, however, right after the rotation went up, feed rod went down and the turret moved forward. I was so excited, I was now able to create jigs all by myself and I became keen to polish my abilities. I was very happy.

I had a huge challenge when I took over the company as the third generation CEO. I realized how much our employees had given to our company and I needed to desing a plan to pass on the skills and expertise to the next generation technicians. Although the seniors have the technique to do machining, there was not a framework to pass on and teach these skills.

The current technicians did not have opportunities to experience machining centers and others could not have an step up in their careers. One day, I tried to operate a general purpose machine with a tutorial, after trial and error procedure it began to mean a college experience to me. Nowadays, there is a lack of self curiosity and spirit of inquiry for the manufacturing industry, so I would love that more people discover the exciting world of manufacturing.

I have visited various countries checking on their manufacturing experiences. I think that japanese manufacturing is one to feel proud of because of its excellent strengths and skills unparalleled in the world. This could not be without excellent technicians. the mandatory retirement system is threatening the securing of the employees who choose growth in their career. Since after surpassing the retirement age, they become fellow technicians. They will be the model for future people and will pass down the technicians passion.

Small and medium size companies are getting fewer these days. It goes without saying that there is a need to pass down these skills and the remaining kwnoledge for the sake of the survival of this industry.

Passing down knowledge and training technicians is important for enriching our future society, for evolving and developing Japan's manufacturing industry.

I designed the program so that you can do it nationwide, making it easy to receive the lectures locally instead of coming to Nagoya.

In addition, I aim for coexistence and symbiosis with people who are willing to organize regional activities, taking into account that regional formation is becoming an issue of our country.

We want to transmit our passion to more technicians, deepen their inquiry mind and career growth. This can also secure the profit of companies that are willing to cooperate within this industry. Raising the value as a leading company is also revitalizing the region and the manufacturing sector.

Fellow technicians who have reward and pride, become a lecturer. They help to improve the skills and productivity of young technicians by creating in-house communities connected by mentoring relationships.

The participation of more than 600 people is spreading TEKNIA College nationwide to prevent the reduction of technicians, who are excential for Japan's society. I believe it will lead to the development of manufacturing in our country.

We kindly appreciate your continued support, guidance and encouragement.