Innovative Initiative in Ikebukuro Aims to Foster AI App Developers for People with Disabilities

Pioneering AI Development for People with Disabilities in Ikebukuro

The Sogo Career Trust, a part of the Camcom Group, has opened a new facility in Ikebukuro, scheduled to begin operations on April 1, 2025. This unique initiative aims to employ and train individuals with disabilities as AI application developers, even those without prior experience in the field. With the official recruitment process taking place now, Sogo Career Trust seeks to enrich the lives of disabled individuals by enabling them to thrive in technology roles.

The first group welcomed two new hires on May 13, with another member joining through a departmental move the following day. Sogo Career Trust aims to recruit approximately 15 employees by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, complemented by frequent workplace visits and AI experience sessions that allow participants to gain firsthand exposure to the technology.

The Flourishing AI Market and Growing Job Opportunities

In recent forecasts, the domestic generative AI market is projected to reach 101.6 billion yen in 2024, with estimates suggesting growth to 802.8 billion yen by 2028. Such expansion highlights the increasing demand for skilled workers in AI. Sogo Career Trust strives to offer a pathway for disabled individuals to transition from traditional welfare systems to productive roles within the workforce, contributing to the core operations of the Camcom Group. Over the past 13 years, the company has systematically evolved its methodology to create an inviting work environment for those with disabilities, allowing them to thrive and even undertake external tasks on behalf of clients.

Legislative Changes and Employment Quality Improvement

In line with the amendments to the “Law for Comprehensive Support for Daily Life and Social Life of Persons with Disabilities,” implemented in April 2023, organizations are now required to enhance employment quality and promote skill development for disabled workers. By April 2025, there will be a lower exclusion rate for disabled employment by 10%, with the legal employment rate set to rise to 2.7% in July 2026. Despite these advancements, a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revealed that only 46% of private enterprises met their legal obligation for disabled employment—down by 4.1 percentage points from the previous year.

Training Program for AI Application Developers

Sogo Career Trust has established a specialized training program designed to nurture aspiring AI application developers, utilizing resources from other companies within the Camcom Group. The program, named ‘Career Fund,’ allows participants to develop no-code AI applications with practical experience through AI-based personalized coaching and on-the-job training. This approach lets individuals acquire real-world skills confidently, making them ready to contribute effectively to workplace environments.

AI Technology Experience Events

Starting May, AI technology experience sessions and workplace tours are open for individuals with disabilities interested in becoming AI application developers. These events welcome those wishing to explore the job more closely, presenting a relaxed atmosphere for participation. Attendees will learn about generative AI through materials created by existing employees.

Details regarding participation and schedules can be found here. Interested individuals can also gain access to sign-up forms through QR codes and links provided.

Event Participation Requirements

Participants must possess a physical disability certificate, a rehabilitation certificate, or a mental health welfare certificate, or be in the process of acquiring one. All meetings will take place at Sogo Career Trust's Ikebukuro office conveniently located just a three-minute walk from Ikebukuro station.

Upcoming Initiatives and Supportive Environment

Sogo Career Trust is committed to expanding its efforts by introducing additional support for IT/Web engineering through their SAKURA TechBloom program and has recently been awarded the Encouragement Prize at the 9th HR Technology Awards for their project “Officeverse,” which promotes the employment of persons with disabilities using the metaverse.

This dedicated focus on inclusive hiring not only enriches the workforce with diverse talents but also reinforces the company's mission to bridge gaps within society, making the workplace accessible for everyone, regardless of their background.

For more information about these pioneering initiatives and upcoming job opportunities, please visit Sogo Career Trust’s official website.