Report on Acceptance of SSW / Houwa Construction Industry Co., Ltd.

I am deeply grateful to Houwa Construction Industry Co., Ltd. for their thoughtful guidance and support since my time as a Technical Intern Trainee.

Last year, I was able to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (N2), and I hope to achieve N1 soon. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19, I haven’t been able to take the exam, but I plan to do so next year.

As a Technical Intern Trainee, I worked at both construction sites and processing facilities. Now, as a Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1), I primarily work in the processing facility based on the company’s directives.

There have been two significant changes since becoming a Specified Skilled Worker.

First, I used to struggle with many tasks as an intern, but now the company entrusts me with responsibilities. Senior colleagues who were strict mentors during my internship have now become reliable coworkers.

Second, I’ve shifted from being a trainee under the guidance of Japanese supervisors to mentoring other foreign Technical Intern Trainees. I currently oversee one intern in the processing facility and five interns at construction sites. It’s exciting to see them improve their skills every day, and I look forward to their future growth.

Since becoming a Specified Skilled Worker, the company has treated me as a fully-fledged craftsman, improving my working conditions. I’m very satisfied with my current situation and the progress I’ve made.

Study Japanese diligently. Learning Japanese is the most important thing you can do.

Even as a Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1), I use Japanese frequently, and it seems there will be a challenging exam before advancing to Type 2. While I haven’t fully decided yet, I’d like to take on the challenge if the opportunity arises.

I can’t think of much else to share, except that both my company and the Registered Support Organization (Zen Tekkin) have been very kind to me.

I’ve noticed that the number of Specified Skilled Workers is increasing in construction, particularly in rebar construction, as well as in other industries like agriculture. I hope everyone communicates well with their companies and can quickly become Specified Skilled Workers (Type 1).

Our company has welcomed 16 Technical Intern Trainees from China and Vietnam so far, and last year, one of them, Mr. Cong, transitioned to a Specified Skilled Worker role. At the time, this was a first in the construction industry, as the Specified Skilled Worker program had only just begun. With guidance from Zen Tekkin, we navigated the procedures through trial and error.

Companies considering accepting Specified Skilled Workers may initially feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the process and the number of required documents. However, upon closer examination, you’ll find that the truly necessary documents are fewer than they seem. Allow plenty of time, stay calm, and approach the process steadily.

Mr. Cong now handles certain responsibilities in processing and also mentors Technical Intern Trainees. Continuing to work in the same environment as during his internship has provided him with a sense of stability and confidence. We look forward to his continued growth, which contributes to this positive cycle.

Our company ensures that processing supervisors are attentive and always available to offer support. We place great importance on fostering an environment where communication flows easily.

The benefit of accepting Specified Skilled Workers after their internship is that you retain individuals who have already developed their skills, providing a medium-term solution for workforce needs. It also gives current Technical Intern Trainees a tangible goal to aspire to.

As companies accepting Specified Skilled Workers, we bear a social responsibility to meet the expectations of various stakeholders. This responsibility should lead to better working conditions and environments for everyone in the construction industry, regardless of nationality.

Houwa Construction Industry Co., Ltd.
President,
KUNII Hitoshi