Interview

I'm a student attending an automotive maintenance vocational school, and I've been working part-time at Calbo Motor Cars since March this year. It started with a one-time cleaning job. Once I actually started working, it was so fun that now I work at Calbo on most of my days off from school. Before I knew it, half a year had passed. Since I can immediately apply what I learn at school, I strongly feel that my experience at Calbo is directly contributing to my growth.

Currently, vehicle cleaning is my main task, handling an average of 5-6 cars per day. It's not just about removing exterior dirt — finishing the interior details carefully is important, so I pay a lot of attention. For example, cars with embedded cigarette smell or pet hair can be quite challenging, but when a car I've spent time cleaning looks completely transformed, there's a real sense of achievement. I also help with transporting vehicles to auctions. Being able to participate in work beyond cleaning gives me a wide range of experience.

When I hear that a car I cleaned sold for a high price at auction, I feel that my efforts led to real results. Even as a part-timer, knowing that 'my work directly contributes to the company's profit' is incredibly rewarding. Also, being able to increase a car's value through the skills and techniques I've developed gives me great confidence as I aim to become an automotive mechanic in the future.

Document preparation makes me nervous no matter how many times I do it. I handle paperwork needed for name transfers and license plate procedures, and it requires careful attention to avoid errors or omissions. Since it's a small workplace, even as a part-timer, it's not like I only have to do one thing — I get to take on various tasks. It's challenging, but the awareness that 'I'm being trusted with responsible work' helps me feel my own growth.

It's very homely and easy to work in. I can ask questions right away, and the senior staff teach me carefully, so I can take on challenges with confidence. It's not just about work — we naturally talk about school and personal life too, so the comfort level is outstanding. That's why I can go to work with a positive 'let's do our best today' attitude.

They positively influence each other. I can apply the maintenance knowledge I learn at school to my work, and what I learn through work deepens my understanding of school lessons. Especially knowledge about laws and documentation is practical experience you can only get by being in the field. Having knowledge and practice linked together gives me a sense of understanding 'sticking,' and I feel it's becoming a great asset for my future.

There's still a lot to learn about auction mechanics and market prices, but I want to develop my skills step by step with guidance from senior staff. Through this part-time job, I've become convinced that 'working with cars suits me,' so I want to build my career here.

On days off, I go for drives in my Crown or hang out with car-loving friends. The loan payments are a burden, but it was a car I really wanted, and it motivates me to work hard. My life revolves around cars — private time, school, and work — but every day is fulfilling. Or rather, maybe for me there isn't much of a line between private life and work (laughs).

'An environment where you can definitely grow.' It's attractive for car lovers, of course, but beyond that, you develop responsibility and practical skills through the work you're entrusted with. Furthermore, with the support of staff and senior colleagues, I feel it's an environment where you can take on challenges with confidence.

If you're proactive and have a willingness to learn, you will definitely grow at this workplace. I myself started from a one-time gig, and now I've come to think, 'I want to build my career here.' Whether you love cars or just want to grow, I think it's the best environment. Let's work together!