[Event Report] Vocational High School Work Experience Programs Expand Amid 31.9x Job Opening Ratio

Jinjib, an organization supporting high school graduates in their job searches, collaborated with Fujidera Technical High School on April 30, 2026 (Thursday), to host a special work experience class titled 'Fujidera Technical High School x Job Fair 2026.' Approximately 140 third-year students and 26 local companies participated in the event, which is now in its fourth year since its inception in 2023.

Vocational high school students are drawing significant attention from companies, with job opening ratios reaching a national average of 31.9x. With job listings set to be released in July, this initiative leverages collaboration between regional companies and the school to support career choices for students who find it difficult to decide based solely on written information.

＜Event Outline＞
Event: Fujidera Technical High School Job Fair 2026
Date: April 30, 2026 (Thursday), 12:45–14:35
Venue: Gymnasium, Osaka Prefectural Fujidera Technical High School
Participants: Approx. 140 third-year students (Mechanical, Electrical, and Mechatronics departments)
Participating Companies: 26 (including manufacturing, construction, security, and service industries)

＜Background＞
Amid rising demand for high school graduates, vocational students who can gain specialized skills and become immediately effective contributors are highly sought after, leading to intense competition with an average nationwide job opening ratio of 31.9x.

At Fujidera Technical High School, about 90% of third-year students intend to enter the workforce. Because students often decide where to apply based only on written job listings, there is a risk of early turnover due to mismatches where the reality of the work or company culture differs from their expectations. To resolve these challenges, there is a need for regional schools and companies to collaborate in providing students with opportunities to understand the essence of work and the reality of businesses.

Our company provides career education and job search support to prevent mismatches caused by a lack of information, and as part of this, we support the planning and operation of this event. Now in its fourth year, the initiative aims to promote self-understanding and company comprehension among students through work experience. Additionally, by communicating their appeal to students, local companies help revitalize regional industries.

＜Participant Comments＞
■Students
・'I had questions like, "I've seen this in textbooks, but what is it actually like?" and this experience cleared them all up. By listening directly to people on the job, I learned about technical nuances and the depth of work that photos and text alone cannot convey.'
・'I want to work in an electrical field related to my major. Practicing electrical wiring construction was something I could never do in a regular school class, so it was fresh and fun. I was able to engage with practical skills and get a clearer image of future electrical work.'

■Ms. Michiyo Nakajima, Meihan Shinku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
'Our company uses proprietary coating technology to add functionality to plastics and glass, and we perform specialized film-forming processes. It’s hard to visualize what that work entails, isn't it? People might think of vacuum packing or paint companies. Our work is hard to convey through text alone, but I was confident that once students understood it, they would be interested.

At this event, we held a "lab event" centered on surface treatment, which you can see with your own eyes. Students reacted exactly as we hoped, all saying "Wow!" or asking "Why?" I feel that students gained an understanding of job content that could not be conveyed by job postings alone. It is enviable that students have these opportunities as part of their curriculum. It is our wish as companies that students discover jobs that truly fit them, knowing many companies and avoiding the mismatch of thinking "this wasn't what I thought it would be."

■Mr. Ryosuke Takahashi, Career Guidance Counselor, Fujidera Technical High School
'Our school has many students wishing to enter the workforce, and this event was an invaluable opportunity for our third-year students to interact directly with many companies. I feel this event served as a great catalyst for students to realize that their job search is truly beginning. Recently, we have received numerous job applications, which we are very grateful for, but it has become difficult for students to review all of them and judge which career path suits them best.'