Learn from the advanced examples of accepting companies. What to do about the labor shortage in the construction industry?

The labor shortage in the construction industry is an urgent issue

The construction industry is suffering from a serious labor shortage. The number of people employed in the construction industry peaked at 6.85 million in 1997, and has fallen to 5.05 million as of November 2020. In the construction field, where it is still difficult to secure human resources despite efforts to improve productivity and secure domestic human resources, a system has been established to accept foreign nationals who have a certain level of expertise and skills and can immediately contribute to the construction industry. This is the "specified skilled workers System."​

With the establishment of this system, unlike the past when people were not allowed to continue to stay in Japan after completing Technical Intern Training (ii), it is now possible for them to continue working as a valuable asset for a total of five years. In addition, people who have completed Technical Intern Training and have returned to their home countries can now be called back and directly employed. Currently, the number of companies using this system is increasing, and it is clear that it is time to seriously consider measures to deal with the labor shortage.

Are you considering medium- to long-term measures to secure human resources?
You may have experienced the situation where it is difficult to find people to apply. Why not consider applying for the "Specified Skills" residence status?

In the construction field, Japan Association for Construction Human Resources (Inc.) was established by specialized construction industry associations and general contractor associations, and is taking measures to prevent "illegal employment" and "violation of laws and regulations" through a solid acceptance system, and is taking sound measures to address the labor shortage. In addition, Japan Association for Construction Human Resources from before to after their acceptance, such as "free Japanese language education" and "various courses and training."

Case study: We want to create a company that attracts talented people from all over the world!

Kashiwakura Construction Co., Ltd.

Kashiwakura Construction Co., Ltd. (located in Sapporo, Hokkaido) has been accepting foreign workers since 2013. We introduce the voices of three Vietnamese workers working as formwork craftsmen there, as well as the company's president.

Host company interview

[Company profile]
President and CEO: Kazuhiro Kashiwakura
Address: 2-6-2-18 Tsukisamu Higashi 2-jo, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business description: Formwork construction / temporary materials leasing
Website: http://kashikurakk.com

foreigner twenty one Number of employees: 108
Of which, 10 are Specified Skills, 5 are Specified Activities Workers, and 6 are Technical Intern Trainees (all Vietnamese).

• Recruiting foreigners to revitalize the industry
• Increased internal competitiveness!
• Enabling foreigners to advance their careers

Formwork construction at the site

Why did you decide to accept?

The construction industry still has a low employment rate and low retention rate, but there are many people around the world who are interested in Japan's construction technology. One of the reasons for this was that I thought that if these people were to work in Japan, they might draw attention to the appeal of the construction industry in Japan as well.

What was good about accepting it?

Work is like sports or hobbies; if you are motivated, you will improve quickly. In that respect, Vietnamese people work with the goal of acquiring skills, so they learn the job quickly. This makes Japanese craftsmen motivated not to lose, and the company's competitiveness has increased.

What are your plans for the future?

My goal is to create a team made up entirely of Vietnamese people, including the foreman. If they know they can advance their careers in Japan, they will be able to broaden their life plans, bringing their families with them and getting married here. Ultimately, this will lead to us being able to attract talented people, so I really want to make this a reality.

specified skilled workers working under the direction of a foreman

Voices of people working on the ground

This time, we spoke with three people - Mr. Song and Mr. Luan, who have Specified Skilled Worker (i) status, and Mr. Touong, a technical intern trainee - about work and life in Japan.
They are happy that they can now be entrusted with the difficult work of formwork construction after becoming Specified Skills, and are studying to become better at reading blueprints and doing calculations. The three impressive workers bashfully ask, "Will they be recognized as full-fledged workers once they can make R-shaped walls and stairs?"

In order to meet my family's expectations, my first goal is to obtain Level 2 Formwork Construction Skills Certification!

Mr. Song

Mr. Son decided to come to Japan after learning about the high level of Japanese construction technology and wanting to learn more. He is currently studying how to read blueprints in order to obtain the second-level formwork construction skills certification. "I copy the blueprints and take them home, and if there's anything I don't understand, I ask my foreman and he explains it to me." His family back in Vietnam also seem to be supporting him, as he works hard at the construction site wearing a mask handmade by his mother.

My goal is to be able to take on the difficult task of constructing stairs all by myself!

Luan

When he first came to Japan, Luan couldn't speak a word of Japanese, but now he speaks better than any other Vietnamese in the company. What made him happiest was that someone from the company came to pick him up at the airport when he entered the country. "The company treats me well, and everyone is kind to me, so I enjoy working here!"

I want to learn how Japanese people approach work and contribute to my country!

Touon

Thuong says the best thing about coming to Japan was being able to learn about Japanese ways of thinking and values. "Vietnamese people can be a bit careless when it comes to work, but Japanese people are very methodical and careful. I definitely want to acquire that sense." She is a hard worker who always makes a note of any words she doesn't understand at work and looks them up later.

Initiatives of host companies

Deputy Director of Construction Department
Mr. Naoki Suzuki

Since 2013, our company has been accepting technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers, and currently 21 Vietnamese are working for us. Vietnam is known as a pro-Japanese country, and I personally have the impression that there are many earnest people. In fact, they are working hard on the site, trying to learn the job as quickly as possible. Because of this attitude, they are well-trusted by the foremen, and there are many who say, "I want them to join my team."

In particular, Luang, Song, and Touong have learned the skills quickly, and are now able to do about 80% of the formwork carpentry work by themselves. Although they cannot speak Japanese perfectly, they are making an effort to learn, and to a certain extent they can communicate well with gestures. They work really hard compared to Japanese craftsmen, so we have high expectations for their future success.

Efforts to shorten the distance

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we deepened friendships by having employees participate in events such as potato digging and New Year's gatherings held within the company, as well as regular outdoor barbecues and Genghis Khan dinners.

They live in a dormitory, so they are often alone, especially during New Year's holidays. Communication through events also helps to smoothen work, so I hope to be able to meet up again soon.

Dinner with work colleagues

Advice for companies considering accepting foreign workers

It is very important to understand the differences in customs. For example, in Vietnam, it is absolutely taboo to touch someone else's head. "The head is where the sacred spirit resides," and touching it is not acceptable for any reason.

However, there is no problem if you share such information within your company in advance. We recommend that you research the culture and customs of the other country in advance.

Apparently, many Vietnamese people have cheerful personalities.

Interviewed on October 29, 2021

There are many other examples of companies accepting foreign workers, so please use them as a reference.

• Examples of companies that employ foreigners

[Please read this article]

• 10 differences between Specified Skills and Technical Intern Training. Know the pros and cons before making your decision.
• Why is there a labor shortage in the construction industry? We'll also explain the countermeasures in detail!