Students have learnt valuable cross-cultural skills whilst working for an automotive component business in Japan.
Toyota Boshoku manufactures components ranging from car and aircraft seats to air and oil filters.
A summer internship programme offers a variety of placements for University of Leeds students from HR to engineering.
The programme, which has been running for more than 10 years, is supported by Dr Shuhei Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Boshoku Corporation. Dr Toyoda is an alum of the University of Leeds, who received a PhD in Tribology in 1977.
Dr Toyoda said: “I feel a profound sense of connection and pride in our long-standing partnership.
“Over the years, we have welcomed nearly 60 interns from Leeds and hired a few outstanding graduates who continue to play important roles in our organisation.
“Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this journey and look forward to providing opportunities for Leeds students to gain practical experience, broaden their perspectives and grow into leaders who will shape the future. Together, we reaffirm our belief that learning beyond borders is essential for innovation and sustainable growth.”
Toyota Boshoku, which makes and delivers products all over the world, was founded in 1918 and is a member of the Toyota Group.
We are excited to continue this journey and look forward to providing opportunities for Leeds students to gain practical experience, broaden their perspectives and grow into leaders who will shape the future.
Freya Oliver, a third-year student studying International Relations in the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds took part in a human resources (HR) internship this year.
Freya said: “This unique experience has majorly helped my CV. Having experience in HR has now opened more doors for my career. I can now apply for other opportunities that I might not have considered before taking part in this internship.
“Working in Japan helped me develop cross-cultural application and employers have been impressed that I have worked in another country whilst studying for my degree.”
Working and living in a new country enabled Freya to experience day to day life in Japan. A group of Leeds students stayed in a small town in Aichi, where they experienced a traditional way of living.
Freya added: “I chose this experience because I wanted to see Japan and boost my CV. Having this work experience has given me a more global outlook and an opportunity to live in a new country and immerse myself in their culture, which you wouldn’t experience just by travelling alone.
“Following this internship, I would now like to work in a global company in international offices. Now I have the experience, I feel more confident to do this.”
The programme will continue next year, providing more students with the opportunity to develop employability skills.
Ben Oldham, Head of Global Opportunities at the University of Leeds, said: “The Toyota Boshoku summer internship programme has been transformative, offering students unparalleled opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
“Beyond technical expertise, these opportunities allow participants to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, gaining unique perspectives that they bring back to Leeds. This exchange enriches our University community and its benefits extend far beyond those directly involved.
“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the opportunities it provides to our students and our wider community.”
Further information
For more information, please contact Rebecca Hurrey at r.hurrey@leeds.ac.uk in the University of Leeds press office.
Main picture: A group of students at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Photos courtesy of Freya Oliver.