SSW Program Expanded to 16 Sectors with 4 New Industries (March 2024)
A Cabinet resolution on March 29, 2024 added automotive transportation, railways, forestry, and timber industry to SSW Type 1, expanding from 12 to 16 sectors.
A Cabinet resolution on March 29, 2024 added four new industry sectors to SSW Type 1, expanding the program from 12 to 16 sectors: Automotive Transportation (bus, taxi, and truck drivers), Railways, Forestry, and Timber Industry. Five-year intake targets: 25,000 for automotive transportation, 20,000 for railways, 3,400 for forestry, and 5,000 for the timber industry. Automotive transportation roles involving passenger transport (bus, taxi) require a Japanese Class 2 driver license. These four sectors were not initially included in SSW Type 2.
Key Points
- Four new sectors added: automotive transportation, railways, forestry, timber — 16 sectors total for SSW Type 1
- Bus and taxi (passenger transport) roles require a Japanese Class 2 driver license
- 5-year intake targets: automotive 25,000 / railways 20,000 / forestry 3,400 / timber 5,000
Recommended Action
If you hold a Class 2 driver license or have skills in railways, forestry, or timber, check the skills evaluation test schedule for your sector and the available languages, and search for job listings through AjiaJob or relevant industry associations.