1. Purpose of the program

The Employment for Skill Development Program was established to secure and develop workers in fields facing labor shortages. Its purpose is clearly different from the Technical Intern Training Program, which was framed around international contribution.

2. Program structure and key parties

For arrangements corresponding to the supervised-type model, authorization of the Supervising Support Organization and accreditation of the ESD plan are required. This is more than a change of terminology: authorization, supervision, and support standards must be reviewed under the new framework.

3. Worker-initiated transfers

In addition to transfers for unavoidable circumstances, the ESD Program allows worker-initiated transfers when specified conditions are met. Confirm the transfer restriction period for the relevant field, occupational and Japanese-language requirements, and the eligibility of the prospective receiving organization.

• The applicable transfer restriction period has elapsed
• Required occupational and Japanese-language standards are met
• The prospective receiving organization satisfies the acceptance requirements
• The transfer remains within the same work category

In practice, organizations should establish procedures in advance for receiving requests, consultation, coordinating a new employer, allocating costs, and notifying the relevant authorities.

4. Development and assessment of Japanese and occupational skills

The ESD plan must set out concrete development of occupational and Japanese-language skills over the three-year period. Check the field-specific operational guidelines and the latest ministerial ordinances and public notices for the standards required at entry, during employment, and at completion.

Items to include in the plan

• Assigned duties and staged development content
• Structure for workplace instruction and Japanese-language learning support
• Timing of skills assessment and Japanese-language proficiency checks
• Occupational safety training and consultation arrangements
• Testing plan designed around progression to SSW (i)

5. Applications beginning before implementation

Pre-enforcement applications for accreditation of ESD plans will be accepted from September 1, 2026. Decisions are scheduled to be issued sequentially on or after the program’s effective date, April 1, 2027.

1. Confirm the eligible field and work category
2. Organize contractual relationships with the Supervising Support Organization and Sending Organization
3. Prepare employment conditions, development content, and the Japanese-language learning plan
4. Prepare application forms and supporting documents
5. Submit the application to the relevant regional or branch office of OTIT

6. Transitional measures from Technical Intern Training

A person participating in Technical Intern Training when the new program takes effect may continue under TITP if the applicable conditions are met. However, a participant cannot switch to ESD partway through Technical Intern Training. Eligibility to advance to Technical Intern Training (iii) also depends on timing requirements, so each current participant must be reviewed individually.

Management register employers should prepare

• Status of residence and TITP category for each trainee
• Start date of Technical Intern Training (ii) activities
• Interest in and eligibility status for progression to Category (iii)
• Potential timing for progression to SSW
• Record of explanations provided to the supervising organization and the individual

Official sources