[Starting June 1] Supporting Osaka Workers and SMEs Struggling with DX and Labor Shortages! Osaka Prefecture's "Reskilling Support Power-Up Project" Launches

Work Academy Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; Representative Director: Hiroo Oishi; hereinafter "the Company") has been selected by Osaka Prefecture to implement the "Reskilling Support Power-Up Project." The project will officially commence on Monday, June 1, 2026, with the launch of a dedicated website (https://reskilling.shigotofield.jp/).

This project aims to contribute to the sustainable growth of Osaka's industries by supporting the skill development and acquisition of new skills for current employees and job seekers in the prefecture, while simultaneously assisting local companies with "talent acquisition" and "productivity improvement."

■ Background and Purpose
Amidst a nationwide labor shortage and rapidly changing skill requirements due to the progress of DX, many SMEs in Osaka are facing urgent challenges in securing talent and improving productivity. To address these issues, it is crucial to create an environment where workers can voluntarily engage in reskilling and for companies to deepen their understanding that "employee reskilling leads to company growth."

This project will provide continuous support for both individual career advancement and corporate reskilling implementation through consultations, seminars, and training programs.

■ Our Commitment to the Reskilling Project
With over 40 years of experience in education and human resource development, our company has developed numerous reskilling programs for working adults, centered around our schools "noa" and "noa+." We have built an integrated support system, ranging from detailed consultations tailored to individual career aspirations to securing employment and career change opportunities in collaboration with financial institutions. Our extensive track record, including providing recurrent education programs in partnership with multiple universities, has been highly evaluated, leading to our selection as the project operator. Leveraging this long-standing expertise, we will establish a system to comprehensively and continuously support the resolution of issues for both labor and management, from individual career counseling to the formulation of corporate guidelines and implementation support.

■ Future Vision
This project goes beyond merely providing opportunities for skill acquisition. We aim to transform the entire Osaka industry into a structure with high productivity and competitiveness by enabling employees and job seekers to increase their market value and helping companies maximize the potential of their talent. Through this project, we will build a model for regional economic revitalization through "investment in people" and contribute to the long-term development of Osaka.

■ Main Project Contents and Features for This Fiscal Year
1. Free Reskilling Consultation by Career Consultants
Specialized advisors (career consultants) will provide advice on optimal reskilling plans tailored to individual needs and work history for those aiming for employment, career changes, or career advancement in their current workplace.
*An "AI chatbot" will also be introduced for 24/7 inquiries.

2. Formulation of Corporate "Reskilling Guidelines" and Implementation Seminars
For business owners and HR managers who are unsure where to start, we will create new "Reskilling Guidelines" that summarize the significance, procedures, and training methods of reskilling, focusing on the four key industries: "Manufacturing, Construction, Transportation, and Inbound." We will also hold seminars to promote the introduction of reskilling in collaboration with industry associations.

3. Awareness Seminars and Training Programs for Employees
In addition to holding at least four awareness seminars for business owners, employees, and job seekers, we will plan and implement practical training programs specifically targeting "women" and "the elderly," who require particular support.

4. Centralization of Information on the Dedicated Website
We will centralize and disseminate information on reskilling-related courses and subsidies (such as the Osaka Prefecture Skill-Up Support Grant) provided by the national government, Osaka Prefecture, and various related organizations.

[URL] https://reskilling.shigotofield.jp/

■ Overview of the "Reskilling Support Power-Up Project"
- Project Name: FY2026 Osaka Prefecture Reskilling Support Power-Up Project
- Project Period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) – March 31, 2027 (Wed)
- Target Audience: Current employees, job seekers, SME owners, and HR managers in Osaka Prefecture
- Cost: Free (excluding some external training fees)
- Organizer: Osaka Prefecture (Department of Commerce, Industry and Labor, Employment Promotion Office, Human Resources Development Division)
- Application and Details: https://reskilling.shigotofield.jp/