SkillDish Surpasses 2,500 Candidates for Foreign Workers in Food Industry

In just seven months since its launch, SkillDish, a recruitment platform established by SkillDish Inc., has successfully registered over 2,500 candidates from five countries, all aiming to work in Japan’s food industry. This platform particularly caters to foreign workers looking to engage in specific skilled roles, addressing the chronic labor shortage that food businesses across Japan are currently facing.

Japanese food companies, including both manufacturers and those in the restaurant sector, are struggling with a shortage of over 190,000 workers. According to government projections, by the end of 2028, approximately 139,000 foreign workers with specific skills will be needed in the food manufacturing sector, while about 53,000 are required in the restaurant sector. However, many local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled talent.

The Challenge of Recruitment in Japan's Food Sector

One of the major obstacles hindering recruitment is the mismatch between employers and job seekers during the hiring process. Existing recruitment agencies often limit their services to face-to-face interactions, making it difficult for SMEs located in rural areas to connect with potential candidates. Additionally, the highly variable nature of employment conditions in the food industry, such as seasonal work and fluctuating overtime hours, often leads to misunderstandings between the employers and the candidates.

SkillDish has emerged as a solution to bridge this gap. By digitizing the recruitment process, the platform facilitates better communication and understanding of the specific requirements within the food industry. It aims to provide companies access to a larger pool of qualified candidates and effectively communicate unique employment conditions to ensure a successful match.

The Success of SkillDish

Since its launch in October 2024, SkillDish has rapidly expanded its reach, gaining more than 2,500 registered candidates from countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Nepal. These candidates are motivated by their desire to work in Japan’s food sector and have shown remarkable dedication, leading many employers to commend the platform for providing candidates with high language proficiency and deep industry knowledge.

SkillDish’s design is tailored to mitigate hiring mismatches by ensuring that candidates understand the unique employment conditions before accepting offers. The platform also provides continuous support, from visa applications to settling in Japan, ensuring that both new employers and those with experience in hiring foreign talent can benefit from its services.

The Vision Behind SkillDish

According to Michinori Igata, the CEO of SkillDish Inc., "Our goal is to enable all food companies grappling with labor shortages to connect with suitable foreign workers. We are committed to addressing the issues that cause high turnover rates in the food industry, such as the seasonal fluctuations in working hours and the demands of customer service in Japanese."

With a strategic focus on long-term employment and tailored support for both employers and employees, SkillDish is poised to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Japan's food sector through skilled foreign labor.

A Bright Future Ahead

As SkillDish continues to develop, its commitment to supporting both food companies and foreign workers remains steadfast. By addressing the challenges within the hiring process, this innovative platform not only aims to solve the manpower shortage but also seeks to enhance the overall appeal of Japan's food industry on a global scale.

For more information regarding SkillDish and their services, please visit SkillDish.