Vocational Students Solve Regional Issues with AI: Launch of Autonomous AI Talent Development Project [Okinawa Mirai AI & IT Vocational School]

Okinawa Mirai AI & IT Vocational School in Naha City, Okinawa, has launched a project where students take the lead in using AI to solve social issues, in collaboration with Yosuke Omori, representative of O LLC. The school has a 'Student Council,' which is rare for vocational schools, and the 'Specialized Collaboration Department' leads these activities. Students learn the 'upstream processes' of AI utilization, such as problem discovery and requirements definition, in an 'apprenticeship' style. By creating a 'learning cycle' where students who have mastered these skills mentor first-year students, the school fosters autonomous AI talent. A workshop is scheduled for August 24, where students will tackle actual corporate issues. The school aims to fully launch AI utilization proposals to local companies, balancing regional contribution with talent development.