#Japan #Tokyo #DX Talent #Youseful Inc. #Power Query

Empowering the Next Generation of DX Talent in Japan

As Japanese companies face a pressing shortage of digital transformation (DX) talent, Youseful Inc., based in Tokyo, has launched an innovative training program aimed at bridging this gap. This initiative, called the "Power Query Training," responds directly to the urgent need for skilled professionals equipped to drive DX initiatives. Rather than focusing solely on traditional Excel functions, the program introduces new employees to the powerful low-code tool, Power Query, allowing them to automate data collection and processing in a hands-on manner. This early exposure empowers them to experience firsthand the success of automating business operations, thus fostering a new generation of professionals who can lead on-site DX efforts.

The Social Context: A Growing Gap in DX Talent

Japanese businesses are grappling with significant challenges due to a shrinking workforce, commonly referred to as the 2025 problem. According to a survey conducted by the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), over 85% of companies cite the shortage of DX talent as a critical issue. Consequently, there is an immediate need for effective training programs. Unfortunately, many current onboarding programs fall short, primarily focusing on basic Excel operations and a limited set of functions, resulting in a disconnect between the skills taught and their application in real-world scenarios. Continuing to provide conventional training for digital natives may hinder both individual growth and organizational DX advancement.

The Training Program: Transition from Learning Tools to Automating Processes

The Power Query Training represents a forward-thinking solution to the structural issues in traditional onboarding processes. It redefines the training objective from simply memorizing how to use a tool to automating real business challenges and finding solutions. By incorporating the user-friendly low-code tool Power Query into the curriculum, new employees can tackle practical problems, such as integrating multiple datasets and automating repetitive tasks. This approach encourages participants to develop a lens for business improvement from the outset of their careers, setting this training apart from conventional onboarding strategies.

Specific Benefits for HR and DX Managers

The program offers several tangible advantages to HR and DX leaders within companies:

• - Accelerated Immediate Contribution: New hires can automate routine data collection and processing tasks right away, enabling them to engage in higher-value activities sooner.
• - Cultivating a Bottom-Up DX Culture: By empowering each new employee to take ownership of solving workplace issues through technology, the program fosters a collective DX mindset across the organization.
• - Optimized Training Costs: Rather than relying on on-the-job training for individual data processing tasks, this program provides a systematic learning approach, easing the burden on on-site trainers and standardizing the development process.
• - Enhanced Recruitment Competitiveness: The opportunity to learn cutting-edge digital skills makes the training program an attractive prospect for high-potential candidates seeking professional growth.

Successful Case Studies in Digital Talent Development

Youseful Inc. has compiled a selection of success stories from various companies that have implemented effective digital talent development strategies. These examples illustrate how organizations can quickly overcome challenges related to workforce training.

Program Results and Participant Feedback

In companies that adopted the training early, participants have utilized Power Query to build frameworks for data structuring and automation, simulating actual business situations. In post-training surveys, 90% of respondents affirmed that the skills gained were invaluable in their work. The feedback indicates that participants not only gained quantitative benefits; many expressed newfound motivation and insights that challenged their previous Excel-based work methodologies.

Survey Highlights

• - Practical Usefulness: 90% of survey respondents agree that the training significantly benefits their work.
• - Skill Acquisition: 92% reported acquiring skills such as data retrieval and transformation, as well as combining multiple data sources.

Participant Testimonials

Quotes from participants highlight the training's impact:

• - "Using Power Query for data pre-processing will significantly reduce execution times for heavy datasets I currently manage with VBA."
• - "I plan to use Power Query for integrating data from multiple files, which has been a struggle with VLOOKUP."
• - "I felt uncertain about addressing Power Query errors in my colleague's work, but the training offered insights that left me feeling optimistic. Plus, I can always consult generative AI if I forget!"

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Youseful Inc. aims to continue its strong support for companies in developing DX talent through this training program. The offerings will soon expand to include reskilling programs for existing employees and advanced curriculum focusing on higher-level data utilization. The goal is to foster a culture where technology-driven business improvements are standard practice, contributing to the overall productivity enhancement of Japanese companies.

"Our mission goes beyond just teaching new tools. By giving each new hire the experience of efficiently automating tasks, we instill confidence right from the start. We believe that these early successes are vital in fueling the future of DX initiatives," states CEO Rintaro Ogaki.

Program Overview

• - Target Audience: New hires and junior staff aiming to improve efficiency in data-related tasks using Excel.
• - Format: Available through online sessions (e.g., via Zoom) or on-site training at your company.
• - Sample Curriculum: Customized based on company needs, including:

- Part 1: Excel Basics – VLOOKUP, IF Functions, and essential data organization.
- Part 2: Power Query Applications – Automation of routine tasks and creating basic dashboards.

Free resources and comprehensive details about the digital skills training catalog can also be accessed at Youseful's website.