Technical Intern Trainees Program
外国人技能実習制度とは
Technical Intern Trainees Program
The Technical Intern Training Program is a public system that accepts young workers from developing countries at Japanese companies for up to three years (up to five years under the new law). Trainees acquire Japan’s industrial technologies and skills through on-the-job training at production sites.
Companies eligible for the accepted occupations can receive trainees through supervising organizations like our cooperative. The trainees enter into an employment relationship with the host company and participate in a three-year training program to enhance their practical skills.
Overview of the Technical Intern Training Program
① Purpose and Background of the Program
The Technical Intern Training Program was established in 1993. Its purpose is to transfer Japanese industrial technology and knowledge to developing countries and contribute to their economic development. The program’s fundamental philosophy is "human resource development" based on international cooperation, rather than merely securing labor.
② Legal Framework and Evolution of the Program
The program originally started as a "training system," but was established as an independent Technical Intern Training Program following legal revisions in 2010. In 2017, the "Technical Intern Training Act" (Act on Proper Technical Intern Training and Protection of Technical Intern Trainees) was enacted, greatly strengthening the protection of trainees and the transparency of the system. Currently, only accredited accepting organizations that meet certain conditions are allowed to accept trainees for up to five years.
③ Stages and Content of the Technical Intern Training Program
The Technical Intern Training Program consists of three stages:
- Technical Intern Training 1st Year: Basic training and initial internship after arrival
- Technical Intern Training 2nd and 3rd Years: Acquisition of specialized skills through practical work
- Technical Intern Training 3rd Stage (4th and 5th Years): Extension possible if certain conditions are met
In addition, it is essential for trainees to learn Japanese and understand daily life rules. Therefore, the program places strong emphasis on language education and life support.
④ Roles of Supervising Organizations and Companies
To ensure proper implementation of the program, technical intern trainees are assigned to companies through supervising organizations such as cooperatives. Host companies bear many duties and responsibilities, including compliance with labor laws, creation of training plans, provision of life support, and regular reporting.
⑤ Support System of TOP Cooperative Association
TOP Cooperative Association provides comprehensive support from selecting candidates based on company needs, immigration procedures, and life support, to regular supervision after placement. This ensures a safe and secure acceptance environment for both companies and trainees, supporting the program’s core goals of international cooperation and human resource development.
Benefits of Accepting Technical Intern Trainees
- Candidates who have passed strict screening criteria, including document review, medical examination, and interviews at the local sending organization
- Trainees are highly dedicated and motivated individuals eager to learn and improve their skills.
- Leads to increased competitiveness and motivation among Japanese employees
- Trainees are young adults aged 18 and over, contributing to revitalizing the workplace within the host company
Process for Acceptance
Number of Accepted Trainees
Number of Trainees Acceptable per Year
Main Approval Criteria for Technical Intern Training Plans
① The skills to be acquired are difficult to obtain in the trainee’s home country.
② Training goals:
- For 1st year trainees: passing the Basic Technical Skill Test or equivalent practical and written exams.
- For 2nd year trainees: passing the Level 3 Technical Skill Test or equivalent practical exam.
- For 3rd year trainees: passing the Level 2 Technical Skill Test or equivalent practical exam.
③ Training content:
- Skills cannot be acquired solely through repetitive work.
- For 2nd and 3rd year trainees, the tasks must be those specified in the ministerial ordinance (list of eligible occupations and tasks).
- Training must be conducted at workplaces performing normal business operations.
- For specified tasks, mandatory work must constitute at least half of total working hours; related work no more than half; peripheral work no more than one-third.
- Trainees must have prior experience or special reasons for needing training in the same type of work abroad (for group-supervised trainees only).
- Trainees are expected to work in jobs in their home country that require the acquired skills after returning.
- 3rd year trainees must have returned to their home country for at least one month after completing the 2nd year.
- No deposits or penalty fees may be collected from trainees or their families (confirmed by a written statement from the trainee).
- 1st year trainees receive post-entry training covering Japanese language, immigration, and labor laws.
- For multiple occupations, all must be eligible for transition to 2nd year, be related, and have reasonable combined training.
④ Training period:
- 1st year training within 1 year.
- 2nd and 3rd year training within 2 years.
⑤ Achievement of goals set in previous training phases (2nd year after 1st year, 3rd year after 2nd year).
⑥ Proper skill evaluation (technical skill tests, training evaluation exams, etc.).
⑦ Appropriate system, workplace facilities, and appointment of responsible personnel:
- Each workplace must appoint:
- “Training Supervisor” who supervises the training staff, is a full-time employee, and completed relevant training within the past 3 years (exempted until March 31, 2020).
- “Training Instructor” responsible for guidance, with over 5 years of experience in the relevant skill.
- “Life Supervisor” responsible for daily life guidance, a full-time employee.
- The applicant must not have committed human rights violations or used forged/altered documents in the past 5 years.
- Necessary machinery, tools, and equipment for skill acquisition must be available.
⑧ Undergo training supervision by a licensed supervising organization (for group-supervised trainees).
⑨ Ensure appropriate treatment including equal or higher wages compared to Japanese workers:
- Wage documentation and explanation required.
- Provision of suitable accommodation and measures to focus on post-entry training.
- Any costs borne regularly by trainees (food, housing, etc.) must be agreed upon with them and documented in the training plan.
⑩ Compliance with excellence criteria (for 3rd year trainees).
⑪ Do not exceed the maximum number of trainees allowed.
For companies considering the acceptance of Technical Interns or Specified Skilled Workers
[Business Hours] 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Access
About a 10-minute walk from Momoyamacho-Higashi bus stop
5502 Ōaza-Ōkusa, Komaki-shi, Aichi 485-0802, Japan