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 work with foreigners who have experience working for our company in ODA projects and advance local activities. For example, if we participate in Japanese ODA projects in Uganda or Pakistan, and in addition to the engineers we dispatch, we employ former technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers who have returned to their home countries as local workers, we should be able to operate the projects more smoothly. I would be happy if we could realize such a development.

—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 salary increases, we provide specified skilled workers with educational allowances and bonuses three times a year. We also take them on company trips and enhance employee benefits. Through these efforts, we clarify how we evaluate specified skilled workers and create an environment in which technical intern trainees think, "I want to transition to Specified Skills, too."

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

Currently, we have a system in place where specified skilled workers can instruct their juniors. Since instruction can be provided in the trainees' native language, newly arrived technical intern trainees can learn with peace of mind. In addition, we hold safety conferences three times a year in which all foreign nationals participate, to share safety awareness. We also have Safety and Health Education videos in various languages, which are useful for reviewing the material when joining the company and after being assigned to the workplace.

—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 company has set the goal of helping foreign human resources acquire the Class 1 Rebar Construction Technician qualification, which is essential for those aiming for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) However, because Class 1 is difficult, we provide a gradual training program in which employees first acquire Class 2 and then aim to acquire Class 1. This initiative began about five years ago, and currently many foreign human resources are working toward acquiring the qualification.

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

Throughout the year, we cooperate with external organizations to provide training on slinging and aerial work platforms. Last year, more than 400 foreigners took these courses, including from our company, group companies, and companies we invited. The courses aimed at acquiring first- and second-class rebar construction technician qualifications are six-day intensive courses specified skilled workers and technical intern trainees, with four days of theory and two days of practical training, providing thorough instruction. As the national exam uses a lot of kanji, we use our own original textbook based on past exam questions to help overcome language barriers.

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

Starting this year, we have started Japanese language courses for the N5, N4, and N3 levels. Twice a month, retired Japanese staff members are invited to teach, and lessons are focused on strengthening listening skills. In addition, we select instructors from among specified skilled workers to hold Japanese language study sessions. If students pass the exam, we offer them a bonus to increase their motivation, and they are steadily achieving 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.