News JR East to train more than 100 overseas workers in railway maintenance and repair

[thomas]

JR East said Thursday it will train 113 foreign workers in railcar and equipment maintenance for dozens of railway operators and contractors. The trainees have received job offers from 47 Japanese companies. They include all JR group firms, Tokyo Metro and Seibu Railway. Fifteen of the participating companies are railway operators or related groups. The workers come from four countries, among them Indonesia and Vietnam.

The programme will run for about four weeks from February to March at JR East's training centre in Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture . Participants aim to pass an examination in March to obtain type 1 "specified skilled worker" residency status. Those who qualify could begin work as early as summer. They will handle inspections and maintenance of railcars, tracks and overhead wires.

JR East plans to continue the program beyond fiscal 2026, with a group of around 100 each time. It will consider holding the training twice a year if needed. A planned new training facility in Fukushima prefecture will include lodging for just over 100 trainees and be used from fiscal 2027 on.

Paywall alert:

Japan's JR East to train 100-plus foreign workers in railway upkeep, repair

Trainees from countries like Indonesia, Vietnam include hires at other operators

asia.nikkei.com