What Does Working as a Supporter for Technical Intern Trainees? Can Foreigners Also Work in This Role?

In Japan, "Technical Intern Trainees" are accepted from overseas. These trainees often feel anxious about living in Japan for the first time and may not fully understand Japanese, so they need support.
Many foreigners who have worked in Japan for a long time might want to support people coming from their home countries. Supporting Technical Intern Trainees might be the perfect job for them.
This article introduces the job duties of supporting Technical Intern Trainees and how to find job openings in this field.

🔎 Find jobs supporting Technical Intern Trainees on JOB JOURNEY

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What Does a Job Supporting Technical Intern Trainees Involve?

Jobs supporting Technical Intern Trainees mainly involve working with organizations that manage trainees or the companies where the trainees actually work. Let's dive into the specific tasks of supporting foreign Technical Intern Trainees.

Supporting the Daily Life of Technical Intern Trainees

Most Technical Intern Trainees are living in Japan for the first time after leaving their home countries. Therefore, it's important to teach them the basics of daily life, such as procedures at city halls and banks, how to shop, and how to dispose of garbage.

Even after they begin working, the role involves listening to their concerns and conducting regular interviews. The interview content needs to be reported to the supervising organization or the trainee's workplace, so not only the trainee's native language but also a daily conversation to business-level proficiency in Japanese is required. Experience in interpreting between Japanese and the native language is highly valued.

Connecting Companies and Technical Intern Trainees

Supporters for Technical Intern Trainees act as intermediaries between the trainees and Japanese companies, handling communications and resolving issues.
There are cultural and work ethic differences between the trainees' home countries and Japan. Sometimes, these differences can lead to misunderstandings even without ill intent. Having someone who understands both cultures and work ethics can facilitate smoother interactions.
Supporters need to think neutrally and be kind to both the Japanese and the trainees.

Examples of Job Openings for Supporting Technical Intern Trainees

Here are some examples of job openings for supporting Technical Intern Trainees on JOB JOURNEY. Check out the job descriptions and the qualifications required.

Supporting for Trainees from Various Countries at an Automobile Manufacturer

Job Duties:

• Interpretation and translation (between Japanese and English or the trainee’s native language)
• Checking job proficiency
• Preparing various reports
• Supporting daily life (health checks, accompanying to hospitals, assisting with international remittances, etc.)
• Providing support for various consultations, etc.
  

Qualifications:

• Native level proficiency in English or the trainee's native language (Chinese, Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese)
• Japanese: Passed JLPT N2 or has N3 equivalent Japanese communication skills
• Experience in supporting Technical Intern Trainees or interpreting is welcome
• Job Listing
  

Check the job listings

Supporting Indonesian Technical Intern Trainees at a Supervising Organization (Position filled)

Job Duties:

• Interpretation and translation between Japanese and Indonesian
• Responding to consultations from Technical Intern Trainees
• Preparing various documents and other office work
  

Qualifications:

• Experience in interpreting and translating between Indonesian and Japanese
• Japanese proficiency at JLPT N2 or higher (no certification required), business or native level
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive
• Basic skills in Excel and Word

Required Residence Status

Jobs supporting Technical Intern Trainees often fall under the category of interpretation and translation. Those with Permanent Resident (PR), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR), or Long-Term Resident (LTR) status can work in any job. For interpretation and translation jobs, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) status is commonly required.

Conditions for Obtaining Residence Status

• Graduated from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or overseas
• Holds graduation qualifications from a specialized school in Japan
  

To obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status, you need graduation qualifications from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or overseas, or from a specialized school in Japan.

However, for overseas universities, graduate schools, or junior colleges, you need a certificate proving that the qualification is equivalent to a Japanese university graduation. Overseas specialized schools are not recognized. If you do not meet the educational requirements, 3 to 10 years of work experience is required.

(Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan - "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services")

The Rewards of Supporting Technical Intern Trainees

As a senior who has lived in Japan for a long time, supporting newcomers can be rewarding. You can share your experiences of the challenges you faced living in Japan. Additionally, you can utilize your language skills and gain experience in interpretation and translation.
However, sometimes you may be required to resolve conflicts, so being someone who enjoys caring for others is essential.

How to Find Jobs Supporting Technical Intern Trainees

To find jobs supporting Technical Intern Trainees, you can use the following methods:

• Search for job listings at Hello Work
• Use job search websites
• Look on Facebook and other social media
  

In Japan, searching for jobs at Hello Work and using job search websites are common practices. There are "Foreign Employment Service Centers" in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. They offer job consultations and introductions.

🔗 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Hello Work Offices by Prefecture　
🔗Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Foreign Employment Service Centers List

Some Japanese job search websites offer multilingual support for foreigners. You can search for jobs by occupation and location and apply. There are many job listings that are not available on Hello Work.

Conclusion

Supporting Technical Intern Trainees is a job that allows you to utilize your language and communication skills. It is perfect for those who enjoy caring for and supporting others.

Currently, JOB JOURNEY is recruiting for jobs supporting Technical Intern Trainees! (As of October 2024)
If you are interested, please check it out.
🔎 Find jobs supporting Technical Intern Trainees on JOB JOURNEY