Japan's foreign worker program fuels language teacher rush
Japan's foreign worker program fuels language teacher rush Hundreds of thousands of foreign workers are expected to arrive in Japan under a new training program starting next year. Learning the language will be mandatory, sparking a rush to secure enough instructors.
Japan's Technical Intern Training Program has been operating for more than 30 years. Critics say it has been used to plug the nation's chronic labor shortage instead of sticking to the original goal of imbuing foreign nationals with practical skills they can use on home soil.But April 2027 will spell the end for the TITP. And its successor, the Employment for Skill Development Program, is arguably more transparent about tackling the labor shortage.
Foreigners will be able to work in sectors such as construction, nursing care and agriculture. The program typically takes three years, and those who obtain Specified Skilled Worker status will be able to remain in Japan for a longer period.Trainees under the TITP were generally, and controversially, not allowed to move to another employer. But the new system will allow transfers under certain conditions.The Employment for Skill Development Program also places more emphasis on learning the Japanese language. Applicants who do not pass proficiency tests will be required to take 100 or more hours of classes before starting work, and a further 100 or more hours during the three-year program.
The government says the Employment for Skill Development Program could attract up to 420,000 people from overseas in the first two years. The figure is raising concerns about securing enough language teachers. In June, the Immigration Services Agency and other organizations asked about 900 Japanese-language schools and related institutions if they would offer courses under the new program. Fewer than 30 percent said they could offer the courses or would consider doing so.Agency officials point out that many schools focus on international students and lack the expertise to provide job-specific language training.
"The Employment for Skill Development Program cannot function without the cooperation of language schools," said agency official Aoyagi Akiko at a briefing session in September. "Many have told us their concerns. We want to use the next six months to thoroughly prepare."
The responsibility for ensuring foreign workers receive the required training lies with their employers. And in Okayama Prefecture, western Japan, help is at hand. The International Human Development Cooperation, which provides support to more than 50 relevant companies, plans to offer courses directly rather than outsourcing them to language schools. The move is expected to lower costs and increase flexibility.The organization is also encouraging staff to become Registered Japanese Language Teachers so that they can contribute to the program. They include Ikeda Koji, who hopes to earn the qualification by the end of this year.
"Many language instructors specialize in teaching international students," he says. "But very few teach to foreign workers. If qualified instructors can provide that support, then the workers will grow more confident. So we should continue improving our skills."Ikeda is part of a growing trend. NHK recently found that 12 out of 27 schools and educational organizations offering Registered Japanese Language Teacher training courses reported an increase in inquiries and enrollments from people involved in the foreign worker program.
Still, some experts believe much more will need to be done to meet the expected demand."There are still far too few Registered Japanese Language Teachers," says Menju Toshihiro, a visiting professor at Kansai University of International Studies. "If Japan wants to continue attracting foreign workers, we must establish adequate support systems, including language education. Otherwise, they may choose to go elsewhere."
