Job training program in Japan pays off

Job training program in Japan pays off

JAKARTA (JP): The industrial apprenticeship program for young Indonesians in Japan is paying dividends, not only for Indonesia but also for the Japanese companies, it was disclosed yesterday.

Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief yesterday met with 124 Indonesians, who recently returned from Japan after completing their two-year apprenticeships, at his office to review the program.

Latief said the apprentices studied the Japanese corporate culture, one of the key elements behind the Japanese industrial success story.

This is in addition to learning and developing skills in their respective areas of expertise, he pointed out.

But more than that, the government was encouraged by the positive response from the Japanese companies which provided the industrial training program, Director General for Training and Productivity Affairs Andi M. Sangaji, who was present at the meeting, said.

The Japanese companies have asked for more Indonesian trainees, Sangaji said.

"This program will continue because it is bringing numerous advantages both to the apprentices and the Japanese companies," Latief said.

The apprenticeship program was launched two years ago, jointly sponsored by the ministry and the Japanese Association for International Manpower Development of Small- and Medium-scale Companies.

Some 2,000 Indonesians, selected from high schools and technical high schools, were sent to take part in the program. Before leaving for Japan, they were given a three-month intensive course of the Japanese language.

"The apprentices should share their experiences and knowledge with fellow workers when they begin working in Indonesia," Latief said. "They should show the working ethos and discipline that they have learned in Japan."

One of the returning apprentices, Marwan, 23, said he learned a lot from the program.

Marwan, who was employed at a pipe manufacturing company in Osaka, said he plans to open a pipe system service in his home town in Palembang, South Sumatra.

He said he managed to save Rp 20 million from bonuses and wages he received during his training in Japan. "The money will be enough for the first capital outlay."

Besides receiving three-month bonuses and monthly payments, the apprentices were given certificates in recognition of their skill at the end of the program.

"With the certificate, I can also seek work with Japanese companies in Indonesia," Marwan said. (rms)