East Japan Railway has announced plans to annually train up to about 100 foreign nationals in railway maintenance starting this fiscal year.
JR East says the program covers not only its own trainees but also those for other railway operators to secure workers for the entire industry.
It says the training will focus on the maintenance of train cars, tracks and electrical equipment.
The company also plans to construct a new training facility inside the existing training center in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, by the end of fiscal 2027. It aims to use the new facility as a hub for the development of foreign human resources.
The move comes after the Japanese government last year added the railway industry to the specified skilled worker system that grants residency status to non-Japanese workers with expert skills.
JR East accepted 25 trainees from Southeast Asia this year on a trial basis, many of whom passed exams and are expected to be employed. This prompted the firm to expand the training program.
The government estimates that the railway industry will face a shortage of about 18,400 workers in fiscal 2028, which may cause delays in the maintenance of train cars and tracks. There are concerns over possible serious impacts such as suspensions of operations.
At a news conference, JR East President and CEO Kise Yoichi stressed the importance of train companies working together to maintain railway networks.
He added that he hopes the new training program will contribute to solving problems facing the industry.
by Dapper-Material5930