The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is currently accepting applications to the call for…
ABOUT THE MISSION
Since 1992, the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) training programme has helped over a thousand participants from all EU member states. The five-day training programme is designed for EU decision-makers with an engineering background. The Japanese manufacturing industry has achieved remarkable success by implementing various techniques such as Total Quality Control (TQC), Total Quality Management (TQM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Just In Time (JIT), and Total Industrial Engineering (TIE). Along with these techniques, the KAIZEN manufacturing methodology, which emphasises continuous improvement, is widely applied to enhance manufacturing processes and product quality. Using these techniques, Japanese manufacturers have achieved exceptional quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
SCHEDULE
The mission will start on Monday, February 16, 2026, in Nagoya. During the following days, the selected 25 participants will attend lectures and workshops related to Lean Thinking, TQM, and TPM. They will also have the opportunity to visit some of the world's most advanced Japanese factories or suppliers, giving a comprehensive understanding of the latest Japanese manufacturing techniques.
The mission will end on Friday, February 20, 2026, with group presentations during which participants will report what they have witnessed about Japanese manufacturing methods and explain how, based on their observations, they will encounter challenges in their own companies.
OBJECTIVES
- Experience Japan's renowned manufacturing standards with an authentic "Gemba" tour.
- Gain insights into lean strategies and innovative approaches to production.
- Immerse yourself in local culture.
- Join us for an incredible journey that will provide you with a new perspective on manufacturing and valuable knowledge for your company
PARTICIPANT'S PROFILE
The evaluation of the applicant’s profile will focus on two key criteria:
1. First, the applicant’s professional background, knowledge of Lean and experience in process improvement. In case of low relevance, a lower score should be assigned.
2. Second, his/her motivations to participate in the programme and ability to implement lean tools within the company.
ELIGIBILITY
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A1/ A2 |
• work for a company (SME* or Large) based in the European Union, or in a country associated with the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar**; •The headquarters of the company must be in an EU/SMP country. |
|
B1 |
be supported by their employer through a signed letter (in case they do not belong to senior management), be on the company's payroll and be based in the EU or a country associated with the Single Market Programme, SME Pillar. |
|
B2 |
be able to participate in the entire programme; a representation by a non-selected candidate is not permitted. |
|
C |
have a good command of English (recommended level B2 or higher) |
|
D |
While the sector of activity plays a minor role, candidates from the consulting sector may receive lower priority during the selection process. |
|
E |
Companies may participate multiple times (but not their employees). Applicants may be declined if they have previously participated in the “World Class Manufacturing”, if they have previously cancelled their participation or were absent during part of a prior mission or programme organised by the Centre without a valid reason, or have in any other way acted contrary to the guidelines of the mission, local laws, customs, and regulations or have disobeyed the instructions of Centre staff. |
(*) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies that meet the standard criteria set by the European Commission to be classified as SMEs.
(**) Please check the status of your country here.
SELECTION
The Centre will evaluate applicants based on the following selection criteria:
|
A |
The company's lean strategy |
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B |
The applicant’s professional background, knowledge of lean manufacturing and experience in process improvement. |
|
C |
The applicant’s motivations and involvement in implementing lean tools within the company |
COSTS
The EU-Japan Centre will cover all expenses related to the WCM mission, including visits to some of Japan's most advanced factories, the venue for workshops and group discussions, and bus transportation between sites. However, participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the mission and for their accommodation expenses.
DEPOSIT - CONTRIBUTION
Selected applicants who are accepted into the programme must pay €1000 to secure their spot.
For participants from large companies, this amount is a non-refundable contribution to the programme costs.
For participants from SMEs*, this amount is treated as a refundable deposit, which will be returned upon successful completion of the programme and upon submission of the post-event survey. However, for each day the SME participant is absent without a valid reason, €200 will be deducted.
(*) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies that meet the standard criteria set by the European Commission.
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Joint venture established in 1987 by the European Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Government (METI) for promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan.
