Toyota West Virginia celebrates the newest 4T Academy class and welcomes a new school system to the program. Mason County students will now join their peers in Kanawha and Putnam counties in the work-based learning program at Toyota West Virginia.

Toyota established the 4T Academy in the Mountain State in 2022 to help connect upper-level students in local high schools with career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

The Ts in 4T stand for Team, Teach, Together, and Toyota.

During the four semester-program, students gain real world experience while working alongside and learning from industry professionals. Seniors receive an hourly wage during their final semester.

“We’re excited to welcome students from Mason County into the Toyota West Virginia family,” said David Rosier, Toyota West Virginia President. “The 4T Academy provides young people with a great opportunity to learn more about the high tech, exciting world of advanced manufacturing. They will be immersed in a work culture that focuses on respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement. These skills will build a great foundation for future success.”

The 4T curriculum includes classes on electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, precision machining, industrial automation, robotics and more. Students are paired with a mentor from the line, helping them gain a better understanding of Toyota Business Practices. The program is done in partnership with The Education Alliance and Purdue University’s Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (In-Mac).

“Mason County Schools is excited to begin this partnership with Toyota West Virginia and The Education Alliance that will result in a collaboration that gives Mason County Career Technology students an opportunity to be part of the 4T Academy,” said Tim Hardesty, Superintendent of Mason County Schools. “The program will allow our students to be part of an innovative approach to skills development and hands-on learning combined with on-the-job work experience that will prepare them for future success.”

Parents and students interested in learning about the 4T Academy can visit https://4tacademy.com/west-virginia for more information.

For information about the 4T program at Toyota West Virginia, please contact George Gannon.