[Be careful! ] What are the types of jobs that can be employed with specific skills “Construction” No. 1 and No. 2? | Also explains the precautions for accepting companies

Japan's construction industry is facing a major challenge: a shortage of engineers.
In particular, the presence of foreign workers is attracting attention as a key to solving the problem.

In order for foreigners to work in Japan's construction industry, they need to obtain a specific skill visa.
We explain the job types and requirements for specific skills "construction" that you should know when accepting.

We also introduce the differences between specific skills "Construction" No. 1 and No. 2, as well as the conditions for becoming an accepting company, so please use this as a reference.

Job types that foreigners can work in the specific skill “construction”

Foreigners can be hired in the following categories for the specific skill "Construction".
According to the "Changes in the classification of work related to specific skills in the construction field" announced on August 2022, 8, it has been divided into the following classifications.

● Architecture
● Civil engineering
● Lifelines and equipment

We will explain what kind of work is assigned to each of these categories.

▼ Business category [civil engineering]

In civil engineering work, students engage in work related to new construction, renovation, maintenance, and repair of civil engineering facilities while receiving guidance and supervision from instructors.
The main duties are as follows.

・ Formwork construction
・ Concrete pumping
・ Tunnel propulsion work
・ Construction machine construction
・ Earthwork
・ Reinforcing bar construction
・ Jump
・ Marine civil engineering

In addition, we perform maintenance management of machines and tools, procurement and transportation of raw materials and parts, etc.

▼ Business category [Architecture]

In construction work, you will engage in work related to new construction, expansion, renovation, relocation, repair, and remodeling of buildings while receiving guidance and supervision from instructors.
The main duties are as follows.

・ Formwork construction
・ Plasterer
・ Concrete pumping
・ Roofing
・ Earthwork
・ Reinforcing bar construction
・ Reinforcing bar joint
・ Interior finish
·mounting
・ Jump
・ Construction carpenter
・ Building sheet metal
・ Spray urethane insulation

In addition, we will perform quick assembly and dismantling, as well as digging up and backfilling equipment.

▼ Business category [Lifeline/Equipment]

In lifeline/equipment work, you will engage in work related to the maintenance, installation, modification, or repair of telecommunications, gas, water, electricity, and other lifeline equipment while receiving instructions and supervision from instructors.
The main duties are as follows.

·Telecommunications
·Plumbing
・ Building sheet metal
・ Insulation and cold insulation

In addition, we will perform cleaning and maintenance work.

Requirements for acquiring specific skill “construction”

Foreigners must clear the requirements in order to obtain the specific skill "Construction".
The following four points are important.

● Pass the specific skill evaluation test and Japanese language test
● Difference between specific skill No. 1 and No. 2
● Type of test
● Transition from Technical Intern Training No. 2

▼ Pass the specific skill evaluation test and Japanese language test

In order to obtain the specific skill ``Construction'' certification, you must pass the ``Construction field specific skill evaluation test'', which is a specific skill evaluation test.
Please note that the exams and grades specified for each job type are different for the two types of issues.

You will also need to pass a Japanese language test.
Take one of the following exams:
● Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): N4 or higher
● Japan Foundation Japanese Language Basic Test (JFT-Basic): A2 or higher

In both cases, the criteria for passing the exam is whether or not you can speak basic Japanese.
The difficulty level to obtain it is not that high.
Additionally, the exam can be taken either domestically or overseas.

▼ Difference between specific skill No. 1 and No. 2

Some people may not know the difference between Specified Skills No. 1 and No. 2.
The two differ as follows.
● Specific Skill 1: Total period of stay is 5 years, family must accompany the burden.
● Specific Skill 2: No upper limit on extension of period of stay, family members (spouse, children) may accompany

As an image, the first step is to obtain specific skill level 1.
After gaining a certain amount of practical experience as a group leader, you can become a No. 2 employee by passing the specific skills evaluation test or skill certification.

If you just look at the numbers, you might think that No. 2 can do less than No. 1, but in reality it's the opposite.
Please keep in mind that option 1 is more beneficial for foreigners than option 2.

▼ Type of exam

There are two types of specific skill evaluation tests.
In order to obtain Specified Skills No. 1, you must pass both the written exam and the skill exam.
See the table below for details.

Department of test

Practical exam

Both meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.Construction field specific skill No. 1 evaluation test” The test will be conducted in accordance with the test implementation guidelines.

▼ Transition from Technical Intern Training No. 2

When acquiring specific skill "Construction" No. 1, those with Technical Intern Training No. 2 can transfer if they meet the following conditions.

・Completed technical training for 2 years and 10 months or more
・Passed the 3rd grade skill test or skill evaluation test (professional level) practical test
・Although the applicant has not passed the practical test of the skill test level 3 or the specific skill test (professional level), it is recognized that he/she has "successfully completed" technical intern training No. 2 based on the evaluation report prepared by the training provider.

As a general rule, this is limited to transfers to the same job category.
If you are in another occupation, you must pass the specific skill evaluation test and the Japanese language test.
Moving from Technical Intern Training No. 2 to Specific Skills has the advantage of not incurring shipping costs.
If you want to reduce initial costs, consider this.

Conditions for construction companies to hire foreigners

There are conditions for construction companies to hire foreigners.
There are 12 types of specific skills, but please note that the recruitment process is different in the construction field.

The accepting company must receive certification from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism regarding the "Specified Construction Skills Acceptance Plan" that describes the amount of remuneration for foreigners.
At that time, the following screening criteria must be met.

・Pay a wage equal to or higher than that of a Japanese person with the same skill level
・Stable payment of remuneration to specific skilled foreigners using a monthly salary system
・Registered in the construction career advancement system
・The number of No. 1 specified skilled foreigners (total of foreign construction workers) does not exceed the number of full-time employees.
・Obtain a construction permit
・Must be a member of the Japan Construction Skills Human Resources Organization (JAC) or a construction trade association that is a regular member of JAC.

In addition to equal pay and equal work, membership in industry-specific councils is essential.
In addition, legal compliance and support capabilities and systems are also required.

Accepting companies must provide multiple types of support to specified skilled foreigners, such as acting as a joint guarantor when signing a housing contract.
If this is difficult, consider outsourcing to a registration support organization.

Costs for construction companies to hire foreigners

The cost for construction companies to hire foreigners varies depending on the route they use to hire them.
However, no matter which route you take, be aware that you are required to set a salary equal to or higher than that of a Japanese person.

Please check the table below for the cost of hiring Specified Skills No. 1.

In addition, if the registration is outsourced to a support organization, additional fees will be incurred.
Each institution is different, so please check in advance.

Can people with specific skills in the construction industry be introduced to a paid employment agency?

Human resources with specific skills in the construction industry cannot be introduced by paid employment agencies.
Limited by the Employment Security Act.
Please note that not only paid occupations but also worker dispatch businesses are excluded.

On the other hand, there are construction operations that are not covered.
That is below.

・Work performed by administrative staff at construction sites
・Creation of construction plans for civil engineering and construction work, etc.
・ Construction process control
·quality management
·Safety management

Since this kind of construction supervision work does not fall under construction work, you can receive referrals from paid employment agencies.
There are penalties for violating it.
Make sure you are clear about what kind of work you want to do before hiring someone.

Summary

The types of jobs that foreigners can work in with the specified skill "construction" are divided into civil engineering, architecture, lifeline, and equipment.
When hiring, be sure to clarify in which category you want them to work.
To obtain the qualification, you must pass the specific skill evaluation test and the Japanese language test.
Only Technical Intern Training No. 2 will be exempted under certain conditions, but in principle we will aim to pass.

When construction companies hire foreigners, they have to bear a large amount of the burden in terms of conditions and costs, so if you are thinking about hiring foreigners, please consider the cost aspects before hiring them.

For inquiries regarding specific skills, please contact Climb!
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