Toyota has unveiled three significant training initiatives aimed at upskilling its workforce and preparing future talent at its largest factory in Kentucky, which employs around 10,000 people.

State-of-the-Art Advanced Manufacturing Training

Toyota recently celebrated the grand opening of a $3 million, 20,000-square-foot training center designed to equip current staff with skills in advanced manufacturing processes and new technologies. By early 2026, this Kentucky facility will be the first Toyota plant in North America to assemble a battery electric vehicle. The plant, which produces the Camry Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid, has seen a near $10 billion investment from the company.

Hands-On Training for High School Students

Toyota Kentucky President Kerry Creech introduced the 4T Academy, a new program aimed at high school students in Scott County schools. This initiative, supported by a $1 million investment from Toyota, is a collaboration with local school districts. The 4T Academy (team, teach, together, and Toyota) will offer a pathway to manufacturing careers, blending standard high school curriculum with hands-on education in a simulated factory environment. High school seniors participating in the academy will earn around $18 an hour while working alongside Toyota employees.

Addressing Transportation Challenges

Toyota’s Driving Possibilities program, launched in July 2023, aims to enhance education and overcome transportation barriers in Scott and Fayette Counties. This initiative, supported by the Toyota USA Foundation, focuses on improving literacy tools, creating industry-education partnerships, and addressing transportation issues. On the program’s one-year anniversary, Toyota announced the donation of 10 Sienna minivans to partner schools to help solve transportation challenges. Over the past year, Driving Possibilities has contributed over $3 million to local schools and plans to provide an additional $5.7 million in funding in the coming years.

These initiatives reflect Toyota’s commitment to workforce development, educational support, and community engagement, ensuring a skilled and ready workforce for the future of automotive manufacturing.