BUFFALO, W.V. (May 2, 2023) – Toyota’s West Virginia 4T Academy is tripling in size, bringing career opportunities in advanced manufacturing to even more high school students. Juniors and seniors in Putnam County can now join the work-based learning program at Toyota West Virginia. The Ts in 4T stand for Team, Teach, Toyota and Together.

Toyota West Virginia established the 4T Academy in the Mountain State last year along with The Education Alliance, Purdue University’s Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (In-Mac) and Kanawha County Schools. Students gain real world experience while working alongside and learning from industry professionals. Seniors receive an hourly wage during their final semester in the program.

“Advanced manufacturing is dynamic and exciting,” said David Rosier, Toyota West Virginia president. “The 4T Academy engages students and helps them see the opportunities available in this field. Our first class from Kanawha County was fantastic, and we are proud to see the expansion to Putnam County.”

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 4T Academy will offer our students valuable hands-on learning, skills training and work experience that will help equip and prepare them for post-secondary education or the workforce,” said John Hudson, superintendent of Putnam County Schools. “Putnam County Schools is grateful for our partnership with Toyota West Virginia and The Education Alliance. We are delighted to see our students grow and develop alongside this program.”

Toyota West Virginia is Toyota’s only combined engine and transmission plant in North America. Additionally, Toyota West Virginia is the only manufacturing plant in North America to produce hybrid transaxles. The $2 billion facility employs more than 2,000 people under a nearly two million square foot facility. The plant has invested more than $10 million dollars in various local philanthropic and educational initiatives over the past two decades.

For more information about West Virginia’s 4T Academy, please visit www.4tacademywv.com.