FY2024 "Construction Future Award with Foreign Talent" <Accepting Company/Organization Category> Award Ceremony Report

—Please tell us about the background to the establishment of the Skills Center.

There were almost no driving schools in Shikoku that supported the acquisition of qualifications, so students had no choice but to go far away, such as to Osaka. The associated travel costs were also a big burden, and companies throughout Shikoku faced the same problem. Therefore, by utilizing existing facilities, we established a new "Kochi Construction Equipment Skills Center" with the cooperation of the Kobelco Driving School Matsuyama Training Center.

-You said you used an existing facility, but what kind of facility was it originally?

This place was previously operated as accommodation and also had a hot spring, but due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, business has become difficult, so it is now being reused as a training venue. However, in order to reopen as accommodation, permission from the public health center is required, so currently only day-trip training is available. If possible, we would like to resume accommodation and create an environment where students from far away can learn in peace, but this is a future challenge.

—Please tell us about the courses you offer and the languages you support.

Currently, we offer five qualification courses, including forklift, slinging, and small mobile crane. The courses are available in five languages: Vietnamese, Burmese, Indonesian, Chinese, and English, and we have interpreters on hand to provide an environment where students can learn with peace of mind. We also support the translation of texts to meet the needs of multiple nationalities.

—What are your thoughts on future developments?

In the future, we would like to collaborate with foreign nationals who have worked at our company in the ODA business to promote local activities. For example, if you participate in Japan ODA projects in Uganda and Pakistan, and hire former Technical Intern Training students and Specified Skilled Worker who have returned to Japan as local workers in addition to the engineers dispatched by our company, you should be able to run your business more smoothly. I would be happy if such a development could be realized.

—What prompted you to start putting effort into training?

Our company has been accepting foreign workers for 17 years. In the beginning, there were many problems due to the language barrier, and to be honest, there were people in the company who were opposed to accepting foreign workers. Foremen said, "They don't understand even if we warn them," and "What will we do if an accident occurs?", while foreign workers also said, "I don't understand why they are being scolded." To solve this problem, we strengthened Japanese language education and established a system for improving skills by acquiring qualifications.

—It seems like you also make efforts to boost motivation.

In addition to a salary increase, Specified Skilled Worker is provided with an education allowance and a bonus three times a year. We also take them on company trips to enhance their benefits. Through these efforts, we clarify our evaluation of Specified Skilled Worker and create an environment where Technical Intern Training students want to move to Specified Skills themselves.

—Please tell us the specific training content and the measures you take.

Currently, Specified Skilled Worker has a system in place to guide juniors. With the ability to teach in their native language, new Technical Intern Training students can learn with confidence. In addition, we hold safety competitions three times a year in which all foreigners participate to share safety awareness. We also have Safety and Health Education videos available in each language to help you review when you join the company and after being assigned to the field.

—You are also working to improve the working environment.

Regular interviews are held by employees who are certified as industrial counselors, providing an opportunity for employees to discuss their concerns and future career plans. In addition, we have prepared multiple consultation desks, including SNS groups and individual contact, to create an environment where employees can easily express their opinions. Furthermore, we regularly hold company trips and social gatherings, and strive to help foreign workers deepen their connections in the workplace. Through these efforts, we have achieved long-term retention.

—You are focusing on obtaining technical qualifications. What is the background to this?

Our goal is to obtain a first-class Reinforcing bar construction Certificed Skilled Worker qualification, which is essential for foreign human resources to pursue Specified Skilled Worker (ii). However, since level 1 is difficult, we are training step by step, aiming to obtain level 2 first and then obtain level 1. This initiative began about five years ago, and now many foreign human resources are working to obtain qualifications.

—Please tell us about the specific content of the training.

Throughout the year, we conduct training on ball hanging and aerial work platforms in cooperation with external organizations. Last year, more than 400 foreigners, including our company, group companies, and the companies we approached, took these courses. In the course aimed at obtaining Level 1 and Level 2 Reinforcing bar construction Certificed Skilled Worker qualifications, intensive courses are held for 6 days for Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Training students, and thorough guidance is provided over 4 days of department and 2 days of practical skills. In particular, since kanji is often used in national exams, we use our own past question-based texts to help students overcome language barriers.

—I heard that you are also focusing on Japanese language education.

This year, we started Japanese courses for N5, N4, and N3 levels. Twice a month, we invite Japan staff who have retired as lecturers to promote learning with a focus on strengthening hearing. In addition, we select lecturers from among Specified Skilled Worker and hold Japanese study sessions. If you pass the exam, you will be rewarded to increase your motivation and achieve steady results.

—What are your future plans?

We will continue to create an environment where foreign talent can continue working long-term and support the acquisition of Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Furthermore, we will ensure that foreign talent acquires the qualifications required at the workplace, maintain a fair evaluation system within the workplace, and promote the creation of a workplace where people can work with peace of mind.