#Japan #Hiroshima #Construction Management #Nikken Total Sourcing #Hiroshima Construction

Addressing the Skills Shortage in Construction

In response to the urgent shortage of construction management professionals, Nikken Total Sourcing Inc., a company based in Ota City, Tokyo, has recently relocated and expanded its Hiroshima Construction Technology Center. This strategic move aims to cultivate skilled construction managers and address the pressing labor challenges faced by the industry. The construction sector in Japan has experienced a dramatic decline in workforce numbers, dropping from 6.85 million in 1997 to an expected 4.77 million by 2024. This decrease presents significant challenges for ongoing and future construction projects nationwide.

Urgent Need for Skilled Workers

As the construction industry grapples with rising material costs and labor expenses, many projects face delays and extensions in timeframe. In Hiroshima Prefecture, urban redevelopment and multifunctional facility construction are underway, but the workforce shortage continues to hinder project initiation and completion timelines. With a robust industrial sector that demands specialized skills, the need for qualified construction professionals in Hiroshima is particularly acute.

To combat this issue, Nikken Total Sourcing has developed the Hiroshima Construction Technology Center as a base for training construction management professionals, including those with no prior experience. The center offers a comprehensive educational framework that integrates theoretical and practical learning, aiming to generate talent that meets the region's construction demands.

A Focus on Specialized Plant Construction

The Hiroshima area is known for its high demand for plant construction alongside general building projects. Given this trend, the need for training in specialized plant construction has become a focal point. The Center stands out due to its experienced instructors, who bring a wealth of knowledge from years of working in plant construction. The curriculum is designed to cover not only the fundamentals of construction management but also specialized aspects such as adapting to unique job site environments and technical drawing interpretation.

Moreover, as the industry accelerates its digital transformation (DX), incorporating tablet-based construction management applications into the training curriculum has become crucial. This approach allows trainees to manage job site documentation and photograph organization from day one, effectively alleviating the administrative burdens often encountered on sites.

Following the recent expansion, the center has increased its physical training space by approximately one and a half times, allowing for enhanced practical training environments for skills like harnessing and surveying. This upgrade facilitates simultaneous theoretical and practical instruction, making it possible to accommodate a larger number of trainees and effectively meet the rising demand for skilled construction workers from both within and outside the region.

Trainee Testimonials

Trainees have praised the program for its practical approach. One participant shared, “I made the leap into construction management from an unrelated background for skill enhancement. The training provides practical advice grounded in real-world experience, giving even someone like me a clear understanding of the tasks at hand. Additionally, the innovative teaching materials and group work helped me gain diverse perspectives.” They expressed a strong desire to pursue various certifications to become a trusted technician in the field.

Another trainee noted, “In an AI-driven society, roles such as construction management, which require flexible decision-making and effective communication, will remain essential. I chose to join the training to acquire skills crucial for future projects. The emphasis on safety management and risk anticipation has equipped me with a broader view of site operations.”

Commitment to Future Talent

Nikken Total Sourcing’s representative emphasized the pressing need for skilled workers in the Hiroshima metropolitan area due to ongoing urban redevelopment and infrastructure renewal projects. With an aging workforce and tighter regulations on overtime, attracting and training young talent is critical. The expansion of the Hiroshima Construction Technology Center will contribute significantly to fostering this new generation of construction professionals.

The center not only provides foundational training but also offers ongoing support through e-learning and follow-up training aimed at obtaining national qualifications such as construction management certification. By nurturing the future workforce, Nikken Total Sourcing is committed to enhancing the local community and the construction industry as a whole.

Conclusion

With an expanding facility, Nikken Total Sourcing’s Hiroshima Construction Technology Center is positioned as a critical resource for combating the skills shortage in Japan’s construction sector and preparing the next generation of professionals who will shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

Company Overview

Nikken Total Sourcing

• - Established: April 1981
• - Headquarters: Ota City, Tokyo
• - Description: A comprehensive human resource service company providing staffing solutions across diverse sectors.