Modern vocational training in Japan has a strong focus on work experience, while also incorporating key aspects of the apprenticeship system. Japan has opted for a “dual system” that offers a combination of public-sector vocational training programs for those who are unemployed, non-employed or recently retrenched, and employment training for those currently in employment. Vocational training based on work experience has been shown to be highly effective, translating into strong employment rates. Yet only around 10% of public-sector vocational training programs include a work experience component. Few businesses are interested in providing work experience, with most appearing to prefer off-site Approved Vocational Training Centers. This paper describes the Approved Vocational Training Center set up by a major automotive manufacturer (Auto maker A), where engineers are trained through a combination of work experience and off-the-job training.