【Reproducibility Meets Craftsmanship】Ikeuchi Automotive's Technical Training Center for Panel Beating and Painting Now Fully Operational!

Ikeuchi Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Miyu Ikeuchi; hereinafter 'the Company'), a company specializing in automotive panel beating and painting, announces the official launch of its new training facility, the 'Fujoka Technical Training Center,' dedicated to cultivating skilled technicians. Through hands-on training at this facility, the company aims to address the industry's labor shortage and strengthen human resource development to enhance service quality for customers.

The center utilizes a proprietary training program that introduces 'reproducibility' to craftsmanship techniques that were previously reliant on individual intuition. Uncommon in the industry, the program features an immersive 'residential training' format, enabling inexperienced young talent to debut on job sites in as little as 2–3 weeks.

Moving Beyond the 'Learn by Watching' Culture: Industry Challenges and Dilemmas in Skill Transfer

In recent years, the automotive panel beating and painting industry has faced a severe shortage of skilled workers. Additionally, the significant age gap between veteran and young technicians has become a major obstacle to smooth skill transfer. This generational divide creates communication barriers and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of service quality.

Moreover, the blue-collar industry's traditional mindset that 'skills are learned by observation' further complicates the issue. Many companies face a dilemma: they want to train young workers, but daily operations are too busy to allocate time for training. Even when time is made, instruction often relies on individual craftsmen's intuition, leading to inconsistent, person-dependent teaching methods—an industry-specific barrier. As a result, companies hesitate to hire inexperienced workers or invest in youth development.

Strengthening Youth Training with a New Dedicated Facility

Currently operating 34 directly managed stores, the Company has achieved rapid expansion—doubling its store count annually—thanks to its early recognition of these industry challenges and its long-standing strength in 'youth education and on-the-job training (OJT)' developed through years of field experience. To elevate this educational capability to a higher level and further solidify technician training, the Company has established this new training center.

By thoroughly analyzing past on-site instruction and the growth paths of technicians who succeeded from zero experience, the Company has uniquely developed a logical training program with high 'reproducibility.' This program systematizes and verbalizes the intuitive skills unique to craftsmen, ensuring that anyone who learns it can reliably acquire the necessary techniques.

Another strength is the system that enlists veteran technicians actively working on the front lines as instructors for youth development. By covering foundational education intensively at the training center in a practical format close to real job sites, the program achieves an overwhelming speed of skill acquisition.

Residential Training—Debuting on Site in Just Two Weeks

While foundational skills typically take time to acquire through standard in-store OJT, the Company has adopted the rare 'residential' training model, condensing the program to just two weeks for painting and three weeks for panel beating.

By creating an environment conducive to full immersion in skill acquisition, even young trainees with zero prior knowledge report tangible growth, saying, 'I was able to learn painting procedures from scratch' and 'I feel confident knowing I can quickly join the job site.' In response to the major challenge of labor shortages, the Company is tackling the issue with this intensive program.

Raising Technical Standards and Efficiency for Higher Quality Service

Although young technicians complete training in just 2–3 weeks, they do not immediately repair customer vehicles independently. After assignment to stores, they begin as assistants to experienced technicians.

With young staff who have thoroughly mastered the 'basics' supporting on-site operations, and by accumulating practical experience, the burden on veteran technicians is significantly reduced, leading to improved overall shop efficiency.

Through this robust training cycle and organization-wide technical upskilling, the Company aims to further enhance the quality of service provided to customers.

Voices from Young Trainees (First Cohort)

'From zero knowledge to confidence—my anxieties were resolved'

'Entering with no prior knowledge, I was full of anxiety, but the training clarified my uncertainties, and I now feel I can do a little. Panel beating is deep and complex, so I want to steadily build my skills to handle anything.'

(Former light cargo delivery driver / Panel beating division / No prior experience)

'Even as a beginner, a two-week program that lets me join the site quickly—this is a reassuring environment'

'Few companies hire inexperienced people, so the fact that I could join with no experience was the deciding factor. Even in a short time, getting hands-on experience and knowing I can quickly join the site makes this a reassuring environment.'

(Former car accessories shop mechanic / Painting division / No prior experience)

'The instructors' explanations were clear, and the training was simply enjoyable'

'As a newcomer to painting, I had many uncertainties, but the instructors' explanations were extremely clear, and the experience was enjoyable and beneficial for me. Going forward, I want to increase my output and hone my skills to satisfy customers.'

(Former transport driver / Painting division / No prior experience)

Instructors' Voices

'Although everyone has their own way of doing things, the “basics” are the same. For panel beating, which requires intuition, I focused on teaching fundamentals while having trainees actually practice. The environment is fully prepared to teach beginners thoroughly from the ground up.'

(Panel beating instructor / 11 years of experience)

'Creating personalized goals so each trainee feels “coming here was worthwhile” was challenging, but it was worth it. I believe anyone trained at this Technical Training Center can become a fully competent technician.'

(Panel beating instructor / 20 years of experience)

Outlook: The Key to Blue-Collar Talent Acquisition is a 'Training System'

In the future, labor shortages in the panel beating and painting industry and other blue-collar sectors are expected to accelerate further. To address this challenge, companies must integrate dedicated training facilities and specialized programs into their operations, establishing systems to secure and develop inexperienced or junior talent.

Ikeuchi Automotive will continue to systematically deploy young technicians equipped with solid foundational skills to its stores, contributing to the revitalization of the entire industry.

Message from the Recruitment Team

At our company, technical trainers and store technicians collaborate to create an enjoyable work environment. We warmly welcome applications from those who love cars and motorcycles and aspire to become craftsmen, or those eager to take on new challenges—especially inexperienced and young candidates. Let’s grow our company together.

◾️ Ikeuchi Automotive Fujoka Technical Training Center

<Facility Overview>

1. Facility Name: Ikeuchi Automotive Fujoka Technical Training Center

2. Location: 275-1 Kamiootsuka, Fujoka City, Gunma Prefecture 375-0054

3. Facilities: Training workshop, company dormitory available

4. Special website: https://ikeuchi-jidousha.co.jp/recruit/trainingcenter.html

<Company Overview of Ikeuchi Co., Ltd.>

Company Name: Ikeuchi Co., Ltd.

Head Office: 2F, Nippon TV Yotsuya Building, WeWork, 5-3-23 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083

Representative: President and CEO Miyu Ikeuchi

Business: Automotive panel beating repair and all related services

Official Instagram: https://ww