Nikken Total Sourcing Launches New Nursing Training Center to Tackle Workforce Shortage

Tackling the Aging Population Challenge: The Opening of the Tachikawa Medical Care Training Center

Nikken Total Sourcing, a company based in Ota City, Tokyo, has taken a significant step towards addressing the severe shortage of caregivers and nursing assistants by establishing the Tachikawa Medical Care Training Center. Officially opened on April 2, 2025, this center aims to equip aspiring caregivers with foundational knowledge through practical and theoretical training designed to make their transition into the workforce smoother and more effective.

Addressing the 2025 Problem

Japan is facing a critical workforce challenge due to its rapidly aging population, particularly with the looming 2025 crisis, when all members of the baby boomer generation will be over 75 years old. By that time, it is estimated that the number of elderly people could rise to approximately 36.57 million, which is one in five citizens. This demographic shift signifies an urgent need for healthcare and elder care services, thereby heightening the demand for qualified personnel in the sector. The high turnover rates and shortages within the caregiving industry emphasize the need for professional development and training in this field.

Training Center Overview

The Tachikawa Medical Care Training Center is the first of its kind launched by Nikken Total Sourcing, aimed specifically at pre-employment training for caregivers and nursing assistants. The training program includes both theoretical classes and practical training sessions where participants learn critical skills such as patient handling and care provision using realistic dummy models and equipment like beds and wheelchairs. Through this comprehensive approach, the center seeks to minimize the gap in expectations versus reality for employees entering the workforce, thereby fostering higher retention rates and reducing early turnover.

Training Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to cover essential aspects of caregiver roles, including terminology, standard practices, and workflow processes in the caregiving industry. By blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, the program equips trainees with the necessary skills to perform their duties confidently and competently. Such preparatory training is vital in instilling a solid understanding of the work environment while reducing anxiety about the real-world challenges they might face.

Voices from Trainees

Trainees have lauded the new training center, sharing their journeys and feelings about the program. One trainee noted, "My interest in caregiving sparked from my volunteer work during college, but I wasn’t fully aware of what the job entailed. This training program effectively bridged that gap through a combination of classroom learning and practical exercises. I now feel much more prepared and confident to enter the workforce."

Nikken Total Sourcing's Commitment

According to Keita Suzuki, the head of the medical care division at Nikken Total Sourcing, the establishment of the Tachikawa Medical Care Training Center is part of a larger commitment to alleviate the challenges of staff shortages and high turnover rates within the caregiving sector. The company prioritizes creating an environment where even inexperienced individuals can build their skills and feel secure while working in caregiving roles. By providing hands-on training and strong support systems in collaboration with client facilities, they aim to prepare their staff for a seamless integration into professional settings.

Company Background

Founded in April 1981, Nikken Total Sourcing operates as a comprehensive human resource service provider, offering a range of services including temporary staffing, direct placement, and outsourcing. With a vision to creatively enhance the capacities of individuals, businesses, and society through solutions in human capital, Nikken Total Sourcing emphasizes the value of diverse talent spanning various sectors.

As society progresses and the aging population continues to grow, the importance of such training initiatives cannot be overstated. The Tachikawa Medical Care Training Center serves as a crucial step toward filling the gaps in Japan's caregiving workforce, ensuring that the elderly receive the quality care they deserve.