Innovative Human Resource Solutions at Manufacturing Industry Expo 2023 in Osaka

Nikken Total Sourcing at the Manufacturing Labor Shortage Expo 2023

Event Overview
Nikken Total Sourcing Inc., recognized as a human capital creation company, showcased their cutting-edge solutions at the 2nd Manufacturing Industry Labor Shortage Expo, held at Intex Osaka from May 13 to 15. The focus at the booth was their strengths in training and development, showcasing systematic training curriculums and unique equipment that enable untrained individuals to thrive in operational environments. The event not only displayed these features but also reflected the insights gathered from visitor surveys regarding on-ground challenges and needs in manufacturing.

Exhibit Highlights

- Training for Maintenance Engineers:

Visitors explored a comprehensive curriculum that covers fundamental knowledge in machinery, electrical systems, and controls, alongside advanced DX skills such as predictive maintenance based on IoT and data analytics. The booth exhibited the actual equipment used in training, showcasing methods for cultivating personnel who possess high troubleshooting capabilities, minimizing knowledge silos.

- Experiential Safety Education:

A VR experience zone was set up for visitors to simulate risks associated with workplace hazards like slips, falls, and electrical shocks. This unique safety education system emphasizes not just theoretical knowledge but fosters significant awareness through firsthand experience, garnering keen interest from attendees.

- Comprehensive Workforce Solutions:

Nikken emphasized its strengths in recruitment, training, management, and staff retention through informative panels and large monitors, explaining their integrated approach to human resources.

Challenges Identified from Visitor Surveys

Feedback collected during the event spotlighted several prevalent issues within the manufacturing sector.

- Knowledge Transfer Issues:

Many participants expressed grave concerns about the impending loss of accumulated skills as veteran workers retire, leading to a break in knowledge transfer and potential loss of specialized capabilities.

- Insufficient Leadership:

A notable lack of team leaders and supervisors emerged as a pressing challenge, with responsibilities increasingly piling up on the existing management tier, causing operational strain.

- Low Retention Rates Due to Inadequate Training:

Respondents voiced worries about the vicious cycle of hiring new staff only for them to leave due to insufficient training, emphasizing the need for enhanced educational resources to improve retention.

Insights into Workforce Concerns and Training Requirements

When surveyed, several recurring themes about workforce challenges emerged:

- Many companies reported struggles in attracting applicants, alongside issues bounding their educational burdens and high turnover rates for both employees and external hires. This indicates a dual challenge in both securing skilled labor and providing adequate training facilities.
- The shortage of experienced personnel and the burden of initial training for inexperienced hires could adversely affect production efficiency and employee retention.

Consequently, there will be an intensified need for establishing robust foundational and safety training systems as part of the preparation for workforce allocation.

Current Status of Utilizing Temporary Staffing

The survey also touched upon the usage of external personnel:

- About 59.7% of surveyed companies stated that they currently utilize temporary staffing services, indicating a growing trend towards integrating external resources for labor shortages.
- An additional 18.9% expressed intention to explore this option further, demonstrating an increasing awareness of external personnel as a viable strategy for resource replenishment in manufacturing.

However, feedback also highlighted challenges with the acclimatization of external hires, underlining the importance of a reliable framework for both pre-assignment training and ongoing support to ensure smooth integration into teams.

Comprehensive Staffing Solutions by Nikken

Nikken operates across numerous training centers nationwide, delivering specialized programs tailored to various sectors, including manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, and construction. They provide extensive on-the-job training while fostering an environment equipped with cutting-edge technology and dedicated instructors, redefining the approach to workforce education and development.

Amid these evolving industry needs, the enhancement of safety protocols through practical training programs, including using VR technologies, has gained traction, proving to be an effective method in heightening workplace safety and accountability.

Nikken Total Sourcing is committed to supporting organizations in managing their human resources strategically through innovative education methods and structured development pathways, ensuring a future-ready workforce.

More details about their displays at the expo can be found on the Nikken Tsunagu site.

About Nikken Total Sourcing

Founded in 1981, Nikken Total Sourcing operates as a comprehensive human resource service firm focused on creating value across sectors through innovative staffing solutions.