#Japan #Career Startup #Epson Mizube #SAKURA Center #Okaya

New Employment Support Model for Persons with Disabilities

In an effort to tackle the societal challenge of employing people with disabilities, a groundbreaking initiative has been launched in Japan's Nagano Prefecture. The new employment support model, named "Career Startup SAKURA×Epson Mizube," is the result of collaboration between SAKURA Okaya Center, a job training organization, and Epson Mizube Corporation, a special subsidiary of Seiko Epson.

A Unique Approach

The model is designed specifically for the Suwa region, marking a first-of-its-kind joint development program between an employer and a job transition support office. The program focuses on enhancing the capabilities of individuals with disabilities prior to formal recruitment, marrying hands-on workplace training with structured support from SAKURA Okaya Center.

Participants engage in a combination of weekly practical work sessions at Epson Mizube and reflective meetings at SAKURA Okaya Center over a four-week period. This innovative program not only aims to enhance the success rate of employment for disabled job seekers in recruitment processes but also seeks to boost their general employability skills and career aspirations.

Addressing Challenges in Recruitment

Epson Mizube actively promotes the employment of individuals with disabilities, earning a strong reputation in the local community. However, the company maintains certain hiring standards whilst also maximizing workplace support for its full-time employees with disabilities. The challenge lies in identifying and nurturing promising candidates who may not meet all specific criteria yet show potential for significant growth.

To address this, SAKURA Okaya Center and Epson Mizube have established the Career Startup program, focusing on the discovery and development of talent that satisfies hiring conditions. This enables a broader spectrum of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, fostering a mutual understanding between employers and potential employees while creating pathways for long-term career development.

Program Features and Expected Outcomes

Individuals interested in employment but facing self-doubt regarding their skills can engage in practical training within real work environments. Supported by the transition organization, they implement specific improvements weekly, fostering tangible personal growth and nurturing self-confidence that facilitates smoother transitions to employment.

From the corporate perspective, the program helps identify candidates that may not emerge through standard application processes. By revealing candidates' capabilities through coordinated support with job transition agencies, companies can discover talent that aligns with their needs, thereby enhancing their recruitment effectiveness.

Steps in the Program

1. Recruitment and Selection: Candidates currently training in business etiquette and PC skills at SAKURA Okaya Center are invited to apply for internships based on expected growth to meet Epson Mizube's requirements.
2. Profile Submission and Program Overview: Participants clarify their skills and preferences while ensuring all parties share a mutual understanding of the internship's objectives and timeline.
3. Site Visit: A representative from SAKURA accompanies participants to observe and familiarize themselves with the workplace environment and job descriptions.
4. Practical Training (4 Weeks): Interns participate in a full-time practical training program at Epson Mizube for one day each week (7.5 hours). Additionally, they continue normal skill training and receive follow-up support on their tasks four days a week at SAKURA Okaya Center, incorporating a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) framework for practical learning.
5. Final Review and Reflection: On the last day, a meeting is held involving the intern, representatives from the company, and support personnel to review the experience using a unique evaluation sheet, discussing successes, opportunities for growth, and next steps, be it continued training or job applications elsewhere.

Future Developments

Sogo Career Trust plans to utilize the feedback from this model to expand the joint development and operational employment support framework to other companies and regions. By strengthening connections between job training facilities and employers, they aim to more effectively harness the potential of individuals with disabilities, creating opportunities for meaningful long-term career development regardless of disability.

About the Company

Sogo Career Trust operates as a special subsidiary within the Camcom Group and is dedicated to facilitating employment opportunities for employees with disabilities. They provide consulting and job transition support services and also operate a childcare facility, contributing to the community through various business initiatives focused on inclusivity and support for diverse needs.

Head Office: 2-4-1 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Tokyo, World Trade Center Building South Wing, 16th Floor
CEO: Tsutomu Ito
Established: February 2012
Capital: 500 million yen
Business Activities: Paid employment placement, consulting for disability employment, and establishment support for special subsidiaries.
Website: SAKURA Center | Corporate Site