#Japan #Tokyo #Construction Industry #Contraft #Ikeda Senshu Bank

New Collaboration to Alleviate Labor Shortages in Japan's Construction Industry

In a significant move to combat the persistent labor shortages affecting Japan’s construction sector, Contraft Co., Ltd., part of the Narel Group, has formed a strategic partnership with the National Construction Human Resources Association (Zenken) and Ikeda Senshu Bank. This alliance aims to connect skilled workers with companies experiencing a shortage of labor in the construction industry, particularly in the Kansai region.

Background of the Partnership

Japan’s construction industry is grappling with a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, commonly referred to as artisans. This issue has been recognized as a common challenge among local construction companies. To tackle this chronic labor supply problem, both Contraft and Zenken have developed a matching service for workers eager to enter the field and firms in need of well-trained personnel. They have also initiated a direct recruiting service called "Shokunin Scout" to streamline the hiring process.

Ikeda Senshu Bank has been actively engaged with construction firms to understand their outsourcing needs and labor requirements. However, they have faced obstacles in introducing specialized artisans due to regulatory challenges and a lack of internal resources and expertise. By partnering with Contraft and Zenken, the bank aims to leverage their strong regional network and the expertise of Narel Group in supplying construction labor, ultimately expanding their artisan recruitment services in the Kansai area.

Objectives of the Partnership

The collaboration seeks to raise awareness of the two employment support services provided by Contraft and Zenken: the artisan recruitment initiative and the "Shokunin Scout" direct recruiting service, particularly targeting construction firms in the Kansai region. In turn, this partnership allows Ikeda Senshu Bank to establish a robust support system for recruiting craftsmen, effectively addressing the severe labor shortages faced by construction companies in the area.

Future Prospects

Narel Group is committed to enhancing connections with nationwide construction businesses through strategic collaborations with local financial institutions. This partnership will enable Contraft and Zenken to leverage the customer network of Ikeda Senshu Bank to increase recruitment prospects and promote the "Shokunin Scout" service further.

As artisan recruitment projects accumulate significant data and foster business networks, Narel Group plans to implement a construction labor platform, as outlined in their medium-term management plan, "Change and Growth 2030." This initiative represents a vital step toward realizing a sustainable construction workforce and mitigating the critical personnel shortages that plague the industry.

About Contraft Co., Ltd.

Contraft operates under the Narel Group (TSE Growth: 9163), focusing on staffing and recruitment services in the construction labor sector. The company aims to solve labor shortages in the construction industry by matching those who wish to work in this field with companies struggling to find qualified personnel. They offer extensive recruitment services for construction professionals and collaborate with Zenken to manage recruitment campaigns for artisan applicants from member firms, tackling labor shortages within the industry.

Representative: Kousuke Sega, CEO
Address: 3-5 Koijimachi Building, 2 Bancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6268-9601
Website: contraft.co.jp

About Zenken (National Construction Human Resources Association)

Zenken is an organization composed of companies, groups, and entrepreneurs involved in the construction industry, catering to businesses of all sizes, from major corporations to small enterprises and sole proprietors. Its mission is to economically, socially, and technologically support the industry and contribute to its sound development. Zenken seeks to address pressing issues such as the aging workforce and the shortage of younger workers, along with improving labor conditions.

Through the rare service of conducting paid occupational introductions for craftsmen and promoting labor conditions through accident insurance memberships, Zenken plays a pivotal role in enhancing the construction ecosystem.

Representative: Minoru Okano, President
Address: 3-5 Koijimachi Building, 2 Bancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6261-1337
Website: zenken-hr.or.jp

About Ikeda Senshu Bank

Representative: Hirokazu Sakaguchi, President & CEO
Address: 18-14 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka
* Website: sihd-bk.jp

This partnership signals a proactive approach to mitigate labor shortages in Japan’s construction industry, ensuring sustainable growth and stability for the future.