Application Period Begins for Corporate Enrollment in Specialized Skills Training Program to Address Nationwide Labor Shortage in Railway Industry

○ JR East Japan and the Japan International Railway Technical Cooperation Association (hereinafter 'JARTS') will begin accepting applications from railway operators nationwide for this year's Specialized Skills Talent Development Training Program starting June 22 (Mon). The application period runs until July 17 (Fri). ○ This training program focuses on acquiring foundational railway technical knowledge and passing the evaluation test required for the 'Specified Skilled Worker No.1' residency status. Railway operators across Japan can collectively submit applications for employees or subcontractor staff (hereinafter 'receiving companies') to attend the training. This marks the second time the program is being implemented as an industry-wide educational platform. ○ Trainees can attend the program at no cost, including round-trip travel, training fees, and accommodation. After passing the evaluation test, they will obtain visas and begin working in railway maintenance roles at their designated receiving companies. 1. Overview of the Specialized Skills Talent Development Training (1) Background JR East Japan Group conducted a pilot Specialized Skills Talent Development Training program from February to March 2025 for its group companies and partner firms. Of the 25 trainees, 24 passed the Specified Skilled Worker No.1 evaluation test, with 23 now employed at railway-related companies in the eastern Japan region. Building on this success, the 2026 training program opened participation to railway operators beyond JR East Japan. A total of 47 companies—including railway operators and construction contractors—applied, sending 113 pre-hired trainees to undergo approximately four weeks of training at the JR East Japan Comprehensive Training Center. Of these, 98 trainees (87%) passed the evaluation test and are scheduled to begin employment at their receiving companies from this summer onward. The upcoming 2027 program continues this initiative. Photo: Trainees during the February–March 2027 Specialized Skills Talent Development Training (2) Program Details 1. Location JR East Japan Comprehensive Training Center (Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture) 2. Expected Number of Trainees Approximately 100 3. Training Categories and Schedule Training: Mid-to-late February 2027 – mid-to-late March 2027 Evaluation Test: To be determined Training: February 26 (Fri), 2027 – March 26 (Fri), 2027 Evaluation Test: March 27 (Sat), 2027 Training: February 14 (Sun), 2027 – March 14 (Sun), 2027 Evaluation Test: March 15 (Mon), 2027 ※ If the number of applicants significantly exceeds 100, additional training sessions may be considered around autumn 2027. 4. Application Period and Contact Information June 22 (Mon), 2026 – July 17 (Fri), 2026 ※ If applications exceed capacity, adjustments to training timing or participant numbers may be requested. [Contact] JARTS Foreign Talent Division Email: gaikokujinzai@jarts.or.jp TEL: 03-5684-3179 (3) Future Outlook for the Specialized Skills Talent Development Program (2027 and Beyond) The program will continue as an open educational platform, enabling railway-related companies to train up to 100 individuals per session starting in 2027. Depending on industry demand, training may be held twice a year or more. Additionally, JARTS will soon sign memorandums with three Indonesian schools offering railway technology programs. Starting in autumn 2026, approximately 35 Indonesian students and graduates will receive local training to prepare for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Funded by Japanese railway companies, this hybrid online/in-person program allows participants to study for about one year at no cost, aiming to achieve N4-level Japanese or higher—required for the Specified Skilled Worker No.1 status—by July 2027. JR East Japan is preparing to participate in this initiative. This initiative offers significant benefits: Japanese companies gain access to a stable pipeline of qualified railway technicians, while Indonesian students and graduates gain career opportunities in Japan's railway sector. 2. Initiatives for Employment and Initial Training of Developed Talent JARTS is also preparing support programs aligned with the upcoming 'Talent Development and Employment System,' scheduled for launch in 2027. Targeting employment around summer 2027, the program will offer bundled services including post-arrival orientation, foundational railway knowledge and skills training, and Japanese language instruction after employment. This reduces the hiring burden for individual companies. This employment support program will also be open to railway operators and related companies nationwide. For details, visit the JARTS website (https://www.jarts.or.jp/). [Reference] 1. Program Management and Employment Pathway JR East Japan serves as the lead organizer, collaborating with JARTS (responsible for coordination, trainee reception, in-Japan support, and exam assistance), JR East Japan Personnel Service Co., Ltd. (JEPS, providing instructors), and sending or registered support organizations that recruit trainees. Trainees receive job offers from participating companies prior to training, conditional on passing the Specified Skilled Worker No.1 evaluation test. After passing, they sign employment contracts, obtain the 'Specified Skilled Worker' residency status, and begin maintenance work in vehicle, track, or electrical equipment roles. 2. Previous Press Releases on Technical Internship and Specified Skilled Worker Programs ◆ Launch of 'JR East Japan Technical Intern Training' – Toward Developing International Railway Talent Centered on Asia [February 5, 2019] https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2018/20190201.pdf ◆ Expansion of 'JR East Japan Technical Intern Training' – Launching Skills Training in Track Maintenance (Railway Line Maintenance) [December 12, 2022] https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2022/20221212_ho01.pdf ◆ First Acceptance of Foreign Technical Interns from Thailand in Rolling Stock Maintenance – Expansion of 'JR East Japan Technical Intern Training' [February 6, 2024] https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/20240206_ho01.pdf ◆ New Interns from Indonesia and Vietnam Join JR East Japan’s Technical Internship Program – Expansion to Three Countries [June 27, 2024] https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2024/20240627_ho01.pdf ◆ Sustainable Railways through Development of Foreign Specified Skilled Workers