World Class Manufacturing FAQ

This FAQ provides further information about the World Class Manufacturing training programme, including eligibility, participation conditions, programme structure, costs, and accommodation arrangements.

A. Eligibility and Application 

1. Who is eligible to apply? 

Applicants must be employed by a company based in the European Union or in a country associated with the Single Market Programme* (SME Pillar). 

The company’s headquarters must therefore be located in one of these eligible countries.

Applicants must be on the company payroll and must be able to participate in the programme in full. 

(*) Please check the status of your country here.

2. Can employees from large companies apply? 

Yes. 

The programme is open to both SMEs* and large enterprises. 

Please note that participants from large companies are required to pay an additional non-refundable contribution of €1,500. 

(*) Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies that meet the standard criteria set by the European Commission.

3. Do participants need prior knowledge of Lean Manufacturing? 

A basic understanding of Lean principles, process improvement, or manufacturing excellence methodologies is strongly recommended. 

Applications are evaluated partly on the basis of the applicant’s professional background and familiarity with Lean tools. 

4. Is the programme limited to the manufacturing sector? 

No. 

While the programme focuses on World Class Manufacturing, Lean Thinking, TQM, and TPM, applicants from different sectors may apply if their role involves process improvement, operational excellence, or continuous improvement activities. 

5. Can a company participate more than once? 

Yes. 

A company may participate multiple times. 

However, the same individual employee may only participate once in the World Class Manufacturing programme. 

B. Programme Structure and Support 

6. Who organises this programme? 

The programme is jointly organised by the EU-Japan Centre’s Europe Office and its Head Office in Japan, in cooperation with a domestic service provider in Japan responsible for delivering the factory visits, lectures, and workshops. 

7. Do participants receive guidance during this programme? 

Yes. 

Throughout the programme, participants will be supported by an experienced WCM Coach whose primary role is to help build and sustain a team-based learning approach in order to maximise participants’ learning experience throughout the programme.

The coach will also help participants gain the maximum benefit from the training sessions and factory visits by facilitating discussions, providing guidance, and helping participants understand the objectives and key takeaways of each activity.

In addition, the coach will deliver a team-building lecture on the first day, introducing the programme objectives, group dynamics, and the key manufacturing concepts that will be explored during the week.

The coach will accompany the group on site in Japan throughout the full five-day programme and will provide guidance during:

• the orientation session  

• seminars and workshops  

• factory visits  

• group discussions and activities  

• the preparation of the final group presentations  

Participants will therefore receive continuous professional guidance and support throughout the programme.

C. Costs, Deposit, and Accommodation 

8. What costs are covered by the Centre? 

The Centre covers all programme-related costs in Japan, including: 

• lectures and workshops  

• factory visits  

• venue costs  

• daily lunch  

• bus transportation between programme sites  

Participants must cover the following costs: 

• international travel to and from Japan  

• accommodation costs  

• personal expenses  

9. What is the refundable deposit? 

All selected participants must pay a €1,000 refundable deposit to confirm their place. 

The deposit will be refunded upon successful completion of the programme. 

Successful completion requires: 

• full participation  

• attendance throughout the five-day programme  

• completion of daily questionnaires  

• submission of the final survey  

10. Can the deposit be forfeited? 

Yes. 

The deposit may be partially or fully withheld in case of: 

• cancellation after confirmation  

• absence without a valid reason  

• failure to complete the programme requirements  

A deduction of €200 per day of unjustified absence applies. 

Exceptions may be considered in cases of force majeure. 

11. Should I book my hotel in advance after being selected? 

No. 

Selected participants are kindly requested not to book accommodation until they receive written confirmation and further instructions from the organiser (EU-Japan Centre). 

For logistical reasons, all participants are required to stay at the designated hotel arranged for the programme, from the designated period of the programme, in order to facilitate group transportation and ensure the smooth running of the schedule. 

Accommodation arrangements and payment will be coordinated directly by the Centre’s partner travel agency, which will contact selected participants after the selection process. 

Selected participants will receive accommodation booking instructions and hotel options from the Centre’s partner travel agency. Participants are therefore kindly asked not to make any independent hotel bookings for the programme period. 

12. I am travelling in Japan and plan to stay longer in the area. Can I check in earlier or check out later? 

Yes. 

The Centre’s partner travel agency will contact selected participants directly to coordinate their preferred check-in and check-out dates. 

Participants who wish to extend their stay before or after the programme are kindly invited to indicate their preferred dates during this coordination process. 

D. Further Questions 

13. Where can I find further information? 

Please carefully review the programme description, eligibility criteria, and cost information available on the programme and edition pages before submitting any questions.

14. My question is not answered here 

If your question is not addressed in this FAQ, and after carefully reviewing the programme and edition pages, please contact the relevant team below.

For any questions about eligibility, deposits, or the selection process, please contact our Europe Office Training Programmes Team at [Follow-up_training@eu-japan.eu]. 

For any questions about the programme content and structure, schedule, or on-site logistics, please contact our Head Office in Japan Training Programmes Team at [topical@eu-japan.or.jp].