Inside Mazda’s New Technical School Led by an MX-5 Legend

Key Points

• Japan faces a mechanic shortage; job-to-applicant ratio exceeds 5:1.
• Mazda opened MASTeC Kobe, led by MX-5 project head Nobuhiro Yamamoto.
• Curriculum covers Mazda history, rotary engine, hands-on lab work, and electronics.

A Shortage of Mechanics

Likely due to its aging population, Japan faces a shortage of new talent across various fields, and the automotive maintenance business is no exception. According to Kuruma News, the job-to-applicant ratio currently exceeds 5:1. The thing is, not everyone wants to be a mechanic, so the job isn’t filled with people lining up at the gates.

In an effort to curb the issue, Mazda has opened its technical school for those who want to get in on the craft. The center is called the Mazda Automotive Maintenance Technical School Kobe (MASTeC Kobe), and it’s more than willing to accept applicants.

The School Has a Cool Principal

Like any school, there is a principal, and Mazda has chosen the original program lead of the MX-5 project as its headmaster. His name is Nobuhiro Yamamoto, and his CV is beyond impressive. One can even say he’s the right person for the job.

Yamamoto joined Mazda in 1973 and started out in the rotary engine and motorsports department. Later on, he became involved in vehicle development programs.

Some of Yamamoto’s highlights include the RX-7 and the second-generation MX-5. He was also the deputy program manager for the third-generation MX-5, and yes, he was also involved in the 787B program, you know, the car that won Le Mans.

After serving the company for 50 years, Yamamoto had retired, but it seems that retirement isn’t in his vocabulary as he takes on a new role.

Curious About the Curriculum?

Of course, there’s going through the oily bits, but the courses are also a dream for any Mazda fan. For starters, there’s Mazda Studies, which does a deep dive into the company’s history and explains its core values. Lab work consists of practical exercises that involve fluid and force dynamics and mechanical structures. Oh, and there’s even a subject called Rotary Engine Theory.

As cars become more dependent on tech, there is also a workshop for electrical components and electronic control units. The students will work with actuators and circuit boards to gain real-world experience. Lastly, there is a simulated service area with real, working cars so that students can apply what they learned.

Coolest school, ever? Maybe, but if you’re into Mazdas, have a huge appreciation for anything mechanical, and love getting your hands dirty, it’s the school for you.