The Big Picture of the Construction Industry and the Specified Skilled Worker Program　 An Expert’s Explanation of the System and Practical Applications

This article is intended for companies in the construction industry that are considering hiring foreign workers or are already doing so, and that:

• Want to learn about the basics of the Specified Skilled Worker Program

• Want to know if they can hire foreign workers in the construction industry

• Want to understand the differences between this program and the Technical Intern Training Program

• Want to understand the requirements and procedures for implementing the program

This content is designed for readers with these needs.

The Specified Skilled Worker Program in the construction industry is an effective means of addressing labor shortages, but a proper understanding of the program and thorough preparation are essential.

In particular, it is important to meet the following requirements:

・Obtaining a construction business license

・Joining the JAC (Japan Construction Skills Human Resources Organization)

・Registering with the CCUS (Construction Career Up System)

・Establishing proper labor management and reception systems

Hiring foreign workers does not end with “recruitment”; “operational planning” is crucial.

The Specified Skilled Worker program is a system that allows foreign nationals with certain skills to work in industries facing severe labor shortages. Established in 2019, the construction industry is one of the sectors covered by this program.

[Categories of Specified Skilled Workers]

・Specified Skilled Worker Category 1: Foreign nationals with skills that allow them to contribute immediately

・Specified Skilled Worker Category 2: Foreign nationals with advanced skills

[Technical Intern Training]

・Purpose: Skills transfer (international contribution)

・Immediate employability: Low

[Specified Skilled Worker]

・Purpose: To address labor shortages

・Readiness for immediate employment: High

① Obtaining a Construction Business License

Companies in the construction sector that wish to hire foreign workers under the Specified Skilled Worker program must hold a construction business license.

② Joining the JAC (Japan Construction Skills Human Resources Organization)

Host companies are required to join the JAC.

③ Registration with CCUS (Construction Career Up System)

Host companies must register as businesses with CCUS and must also register foreign workers with “Specified Skilled Worker” status as skilled workers.

*CCUS is a system for managing the competency assessments and employment histories of skilled workers.

④ Ensuring Appropriate Compensation

Specific Skilled Foreign Workers must be paid at least the same amount as Japanese workers with equivalent skills. When applying for an acceptance plan, you will be required to compare their compensation with the salaries and years of experience of Japanese workers in the same job category. If there are no Japanese workers in the same job category, you must explain the appropriateness of the compensation amount by referring to wage regulations and regional wage levels for construction workers.

⑤ Approval of the Acceptance Plan

Approval of the acceptance plan by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is required.

⑥ Upper Limit on the Number of Accepted Workers

In the construction sector, an upper limit is set on the number of Category 1 Specified Skilled Foreign Workers that can be accepted, based on the number of full-time employees at the host company.

・Securing talent ready to contribute immediately

・Securing talent for the long term

・Promoting the transfer of skills

・Stabilizing the organization

・Verify consistency with the construction business license

・Properly carry out CCUS and JAC procedures

・Establish a labor management system

・Obtain certification for the worker acceptance plan

・Establish a system to support workers’ retention

Because the Specified Skilled Worker Program in the construction industry involves multiple laws and administrative procedures, it is essential to involve experts.

・Verification of consistency with construction business licenses

・Assistance with the certification of acceptance plans

・Support for applications for status of residence

・Advice on JAC and CCUS procedures

・Support for program design and implementation

At the Nasu Administrative Scrivener Office, we provide support as experts well-versed in both the construction industry and the employment of foreign nationals.

In the construction industry, hiring foreign workers is not merely a measure to address labor shortages; it is an integral part of business strategy.

Hiring foreign workers does not end with recruitment; “operational planning” is crucial.

・The Specified Skilled Worker Program is effective in addressing labor shortages in the construction industry.

・A construction business license, JAC membership, and CCUS registration are key requirements.

・Approval of the acceptance plan by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is required.

・Unlike the Technical Intern Training Program, these workers can be utilized immediately as productive members of the workforce.

・Understanding the program and designing an effective implementation plan are the keys to success.

If you are unsure about any decisions, we recommend consulting with an expert in advance.

Please feel free to contact the Nasu Administrative Scrivener Office for consultation regarding the implementation of the Specified Skilled Worker Program in the construction industry.