#Japan #Tokyo #Tsunagu #Microsoft Power Platform #Docomo Plus Heart

Tsunagu and Docomo Plus Heart: Empowering Employees with Disabilities through IT Training

In a groundbreaking initiative, Tsunagu LLC, led by Yumiko Mizuno and based in the Chuo ward of Tokyo, has partnered with Docomo Plus Heart, a subsidiary of NTT Docomo, to launch a comprehensive training program focused on developing IT skills for employees with disabilities. This collaboration aligns with the "Career Plus Program®" initiated by Docomo Plus Heart in October 2024, aiming to facilitate the acquisition of business skills through the Microsoft Power Platform.

The Importance of Reskilling for Employees with Disabilities

The Japanese government is increasing the employment quotas for individuals with disabilities in the private sector, raising the mandated rate from 2.3% to 2.5% in April 2024, and further to 2.7% by July 2026. This increase highlights the growing interest in hiring and retaining disabled employees. However, there is still a significant gap in developing these employees' skillsets to enable them to contribute effectively in more advanced roles.

Tsunagu recognizes that many disabled employees currently participate in basic tasks such as data entry and cleaning; however, there is a rising demand for them to engage in more sophisticated jobs due to the demands of digital transformation (DX) and IT innovation. The challenge remains that few training providers specialize in delivering IT skills that are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Tsunagu aims to close this gap, offering tailored training programs to meet the specific needs of this community.

Overview of the Training Program

The training is titled Microsoft Power Platform Comprehensive Training and is set to run from November 2025 to March 2026, comprising a total of 26 sessions amounting to 80 hours. The participants will primarily consist of employees engaged in the Career Plus Program®, focusing on skills that will benefit them directly in their work environments. Key topics include:

• - SharePoint (for information sharing)
• - Power Automate (for business automation)
• - Power Apps (for app development)
• - Generative AI Prompt Engineering (instruction techniques for AI)

Distinctive Features of Tsunagu's Training

Tsunagu's approach to IT and DX reskilling emphasizes several important aspects:
1. Consideration of Disability Characteristics: Session content and pacing will be adapted to accommodate the unique needs of various disabilities.
2. Practical Application: The curriculum is designed to ensure that skills taught in training can be applied in the workplace immediately post-training.
3. Ongoing Support: Post-training follow-up will assist participants in solidifying their new skills.
4. Flexible Online Format: The program offers adaptable training methods to fit the individual needs of participants based on their work situations.

Insights on the Career Plus Program®

Launched in October 2024 by Docomo Plus Heart, the Career Plus Program® aims to enhance the employment and role expansion opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The program includes improving business and human skills, career counseling, and facilitating internships and job matching. It strives to ensure that employees with disabilities can find their place within various positions in the Docomo Group.

Looking Ahead

Tsunagu is not just stopping with this collaboration. The company intends to expand its training offerings to support various organizations, including special subsidiary companies focused on promoting disabled employment, publicly listed businesses striving to meet legal employment quotas, and employment support organizations aiming to improve IT skills across the board.

The broad scope of training will cover essential software skills in Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, alongside training in the Microsoft Power Platform and areas like generative AI, business automation (RPA), and cybersecurity.

IT, DX, and AI technologies are instrumental in creating inclusive environments where individuals, regardless of disability, can thrive. With the right educational opportunities, individuals with disabilities can take on advanced digital roles, becoming invaluable assets in their workplaces. Tsunagu is committed to providing accessible pathways into this realm for a wider audience.

Societal Impact

While the quantitative growth of disabled employment in Japan is progressing, significant challenges remain in qualitative aspects, such as expanding roles and fostering career development. Tsunagu is dedicated to delivering training sessions that empower individuals with disabilities to acquire critical modern skills at their own pace. This ensures that employment is not merely about placement but encompasses sustained engagement and performance.

Broadening the roles available to employees with disabilities directly contributes to increased productivity within companies. By enhancing its training services, Tsunagu is playing a pivotal role in advancing diversity and inclusivity across society.

Company Overview

Founded in April 2022, Tsunagu LLC specializes in planning and implementing IT, DX, and AI reskilling training for people with disabilities. To learn more about their mission, visit their official website.