Odawara North High School Hosts Experiential Career Fair "COURSE EXPO"

Naito Office (Location: Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture), which develops new graduate recruitment support services within Kanagawa Prefecture, held an experiential career fair called "COURSE EXPO" at Odawara North High School on June 18, 2026.

On the day, 21 local companies participated, with approximately 150 students from all grades attending. Through hands-on work experiences and career introductions by the companies, students had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of local businesses and the world of work.

Towards Experiential Career Education, Not Just "Looking"

COURSE EXPO is an experiential event where high school students learn about industries and job roles through actual work-related experiences, rather than just receiving company explanations.

Each company conducted experiential programs that allowed students to imagine the actual work, including simulated elderly experiences by companies in the caregiving industry, equipment operation experiences by companies in the facilities sector, and manufacturing experiences by companies in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Through four booth visits, students interacted with multiple companies and were exposed to the jobs and attractions of local companies that they rarely have the opportunity to learn about.

Non-alcoholic cocktail making experience | Wearing power distribution equipment experience | Carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption test

Pillow making experience | Elderly experience | Heavy machinery operation experience

Learning Business Manners Through Business Card Exchange

The event included a business card exchange guidance session before visiting companies.

Students experienced exchanging business cards with company representatives, learning basic communication skills as working adults, such as greetings and responses.

It serves not only for career understanding but also as a practical learning ground for future career choices and job hunting.

Positive Feedback from Students

In the post-event survey, comments such as "I learned about jobs I didn't know about before," "I wasn't interested in a job, but when I went there, it was a great company," "It was really fun, and I figured out what kind of job suits me," and "I understood the job details and attractions that I couldn't grasp from job postings alone" were received.

Overall Satisfaction with COURSE EXPO

Satisfied / Very Satisfied: 86.8%

Were you able to imagine yourself working?

Yes / Very Much So: 88.2%

Was it helpful in considering your future career path?

Helpful / Very Helpful: 79.9%

Comments from Teachers

- Some students were smiling, some were listening intently, and some had slightly difficult expressions. The survey also made me realize that students approached this with various feelings. I feel that such opportunities are a good stimulus for students, so I would like to request their continuation.

- Many questions were asked, and I felt that they were thinking about it as their own issue.

- I thought it was good that they were able to experience things, not just receive explanations.

An Initiative to Connect Local Companies and High School Students

COURSE Vol.11 Shonan-Seinan Edition

In recent years, many local companies have faced challenges in securing human resources and recruiting young talent, while high school students have limited opportunities to learn about local companies.

Naito Office is engaged in initiatives to connect high school students with local companies by publishing the local company introduction book "COURSE" for high school students, visiting schools, providing recruitment support, and planning and operating career education events.

We will continue to work with local schools and companies to create an environment where young people can learn about the appeal of working in their local areas and choose a career path that suits them.

Event Overview

Event Name: Odawara North High School COURSE EXPO

Date: June 18, 2026

Venue: Kanagawa Prefectural Odawara North High School

Number of Participating Students: Approx. 150

Number of Participating Companies: 21

Organizer: Naito Office Co., Ltd.

Content: Company explanations, work experience, business card exchange experience

【Company Information】

Company Name: Naito Office Co., Ltd.

Representative: Noriyoshi Sakai, President and CEO

Address: Naito Building 3F, 2-1-27 Honcho, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Official Website: https://naito-bc.com/

【Contact Information for this Matter】

Naito Office Co., Ltd. COURSE Secretariat

Phone Number: 0463-73-5110

Email Address: [email protected]

HP: https://naito-bc.com/service/course/

【Related Links】

Job Hunting Support Book for High School Students "COURSE"

https://webcourse.jp/kanagawa_kennou_shonan

"Naito Office" Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/naitojimusyo.bc_hadano/