#Japan #Tokyo #Learning #IT Engineers #SE Plus

Understanding the Importance of Learning for New IT Engineers

In recent findings from SE Plus, a Tokyo-based IT education company, an enlightening survey conducted among 107 new IT engineers unveils that a staggering 82% believe in the necessity of learning during the pre-employment phase. This growing perspective signifies a shift in the training paradigm that both companies and aspiring engineers must acknowledge.

Background of the Survey

The number of new graduates entering the IT engineering sector has shown a continuous increase over the last three years, with a notable rise in graduates from non-STEM backgrounds (including liberal arts majors). By 2024, 62.2% of newly graduated IT engineers will originate from non-STEM departments, exceeding those from technical faculties for the first time. Companies, facing a shortage of IT talent, have intensified their hiring efforts, which transcend academic lineages and experiences. Hence, it becomes crucial to reassess training methods to align with contemporary needs.

Summary of Findings

1. 82% of new IT engineers advocate for pre-employment learning
2. 60% of inexperienced IT engineers struggle with training programs
3. The primary focus of pre-employment learning should be foundational IT knowledge
4. E-learning is the most favored study method

Detailed Insights from the Survey

1. The Necessity of Learning During Pre-Employment

The survey asked new IT engineers about their thoughts on studying during the pre-employment period. A significant 30.8% responded that it should definitely be done, while another 51.4% agreed it should probably be undertaken—bringing the total to over 82%. This reflects a 5.3 percentage point increase from last year's findings, indicative of a deepening focus on preparedness. The factors driving this trend include the increasing complexity of training content and the mounting pressure to become effective and productive employees promptly, alongside a growing understanding of the importance of early skill acquisition.

Participants highlighted several reasons for this belief, stating that foundational knowledge facilitates better understanding and boosts confidence and motivation during training sessions.

• - Reasons for Supporting Pre-Employment Learning:

- Prior knowledge eases comprehension of new information.
- The difficulty of merely keeping up with the training curriculum without prior preparation.
- The central challenge faced by inexperienced individuals in memorizing technical jargon.
- Having any level of understanding enhances personal confidence.
- Acquiring knowledge not only aids personal development but enables sharing insights with others as well.

Conversely, some participants asserted that pre-employment learning is not necessary. Their reasoning included the belief that training is adequate for understanding the material and prioritizing activities unique to their student days.

2. Challenges Experienced by IT Inexperienced Engineers

The survey further inquired about the experiences of inexperienced IT engineers relating to the difficulty levels of their training programs. Alarmingly, over 60% reported significant struggles—34.9% indicated they had "struggled very much" while 25.6% admitted to merely "struggling" to follow along.

3. Essential Learning Content

When asked about crucial learning topics during the pre-employment period, a resounding 84% identified foundational IT knowledge as essential, maintaining its top rank from previous surveys. Other critical areas included programming for front-end and back-end development and understanding databases and business etiquette. Many reconsidered their views on the importance of foundational knowledge to improve training comprehensibility.

4. Preferred Learning Methods

E-learning options topped the list of preferred learning methods, with 60% favoring online resources. In contrast, traditional methods such as books, IT certifications, and on-site training followed. The statistics reveal an increasing inclination towards certifications, emphasizing a shift towards verifiable skills in the current job market. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is also promoting a skills-based workforce development approach, indicating the heightened necessity for companies to bolster certification support as part of their pre-employment training strategies.

Conclusion

The survey illustrates that more than 80% of new engineers view pre-employment learning as crucial. This finding urges enterprises to create educational opportunities that focus on essential skills and certifications across the board. The impact of pre-employment education on instilling confidence and motivation cannot be overstated; it is likely to become a focal point for companies aiming to foster a more competent workforce.

About SE Plus

Company Name: SE Plus Co., Ltd.
Location: 11-19, Kowa Building, 2F, 2bancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Phone Number: 03-6685-5420
Capital: 175 million yen (100% owned by SEH&I, listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard)
Website: SE Plus

SE Plus, initially a division of a prominent IT book publisher, has evolved into a cornerstone of IT education services, specializing in various training and support programs aimed at fostering talent in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.