#Japan #Truck Drivers #Uzbekistan #Shinjuku #Proud Partners

Training Project Overview

Proud Partners, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has launched an ambitious project aimed at training truck drivers in partnership with the government of Uzbekistan. This initiative aims to address Japan's pressing labor shortages in the transportation sector. The project consists of two selection rounds, which were conducted successfully, attracting a total of 1,278 applicants.

The successful candidates, about 120 in number, will undergo a comprehensive training program beginning in January 2026 at vocational training centers in Uzbekistan. They will reside in government-provided accommodations while completing a 6-8 month training program, which covers both Japanese language education and safety training in accordance with Japanese standards for the transportation industry.

Selection Process

In December, the second round of selection took place, revealing the participants' strong enthusiasm and commitment to working in Japan. The majority of successful candidates are in their 30s and all possess practical experience in truck driving. Each applicant underwent rigorous interviews to assess their motivation and readiness for this unique opportunity.

Addressing Labor Shortages

The project emerged as a solution to the current critical shortage of drivers within the Japanese logistics sector, exacerbated by aging workforce demographics and challenges related to foreign driver's license conversions. Following the amendment of the Specific Skills System in March 2024, which permits the acceptance of foreign workers into the logistics and transportation industries, the need for well-trained drivers has become paramount.

Proud Partners has a proven track record with over 5,700 trained foreign workers across Japan in various sectors since its inception in 2012. The company aims to promote a fairworking environment where foreign personnel can thrive and contribute to Japanese society.

Training Curriculum Details

The training curriculum designed for the project is extensive and tailored to address specific challenges faced by the transportation industry. It includes:

• - Comprehensive safety training: Covering the fundamental principles of Japanese road safety regulations, practical driving skills, and emergency response strategies through real-world simulations.
• - Educational modules on fatigue management: Ensuring that drivers can handle long-distance travel safely.
• - Cultural orientation: Helping the candidates acclimatize to Japanese workplace etiquette and norms.

The project not only aims to fill immediate workforce gaps in the transportation sector but also positions itself for future expansions into other industries, like construction and food service, with parallel training initiatives.

Future Plans and Impact

Looking ahead, Proud Partners envisions a cyclical labor service model where Uzbek workers gain experience in Japan and, upon returning to their home country, utilize their skills to contribute to the local economy. This collaboration presents an opportunity for Japanese companies to establish a foothold in the Uzbek market while simultaneously providing foreign workers valuable international experience.

Proud Partners is committed to nurturing talent and fostering environments where workers can choose their paths, regardless of their place of origin. The ultimate goal is to establish a framework that supports not only the labor needs of Japanese industries but also empowers individuals from Uzbekistan to thrive both locally and abroad.

As the project progresses, continuous updates and achievements will be shared, highlighting the success of this innovative and socially responsible initiative aiming to bridge labor gaps while enriching lives across borders.