Contributing to Industry Advancement
Educational activities: The AMADA SCHOOL
In 1978, the AMADA SCHOOL was established as an educational institution utilizing AMADA’s abundant technology and state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, and was the first private-sector vocational training school to be accredited by the then Ministry of Labor.
Since its opening, the school has been conducting technical and human resource education oriented toward new manufacturing adapted to technological innovation in sheet metal processing, with the major mission of fostering the next generation. In addition, as a partner location for skills testing, we support the operation of these tests and focus on the revitalization of the sheet metal processing industry. The AMADA Group fully supports the activities of this school.
For more information on training content and curriculum, please visit the AMADA SCHOOL website.
Hosting technical and skills competition
Since 1989, the AMADA SCHOOL has hosted the Precision Sheet Metal Technology Fair, a technical and skills competition to promote the improvement of sheet metal processing technology and skills. Currently there are five categories, and entries are solicited from around May every year, followed by judging and the award ceremony in March of the following year.
The first-round of judging is conducted by votes from visitors to the AMADA GLOBAL INNOVATION CENTER (AGIC), members of The Japan Society for Technology of Plasticity, and regular vice presidents of the Japan Sheet Metal Industry Association, as well as by voting online. A separately selected set of judges will then conduct the final judging. Particularly outstanding works are provided the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Award, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, the Kanagawa Prefecture Governor’s Award, the Japan Vocational Ability Development Association Chairman’s Award, the Japan Society for Technology of Plasticity Chairman’s Award, the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Award, and other prizes, while the Grand Prix and the AMADA Award will be given to the best works in each category. In addition, gold, silver, and bronze awards will be presented in the student works category.
Please see the website of the Precision Sheet Metal Technology Fair for more details.
Subsidies by public interest foundation
The AMADA Foundation was established in 1987 by Isamu Amada, the founder of the AMADA Group. The Foundation contributes to the promotion of academia, the creation of new science and technology, and the healthy development of Japanese industry and economy by providing grants for research and development and international exchange related to plasticity and laser processing, dissemination of research results, and fees for technical skill tests for the purpose of fostering skilled workers.
Please visit the AMADA Foundation website for more details.
Support for sheet metal industry associations
Sheet metal industry associations were established to bring together companies involved in the sheet metal processing industry in each region for the planning, proposal, implementation, and research of activities for the prosperity and expansion of member companies and the development of the industry. To date, 26 industry associations have been established in Japan, and AMADA supports their activities in various ways.
Activities of the industry associations and AMADA’s support
- Hold regular general meetings, management seminars, and plant tours in Japan and overseas.
- Hold skills improvement courses and provide backup for national skills testing.
- Hold training sessions for employee education (for new employees, mid-career employees, leadership class employees, etc.)
AMADA serves as the secretariat for the industry associations, dispatches lecturers for workshops, and disseminates content for the associations through the internet, providing support in developing the skills of member companies, training human resources, and promoting the growth of the industry.