Think Innovatively: How to Apply for the Technical Intern Training Program in Japan for Filipinos

Japan is considered a forerunner in technology and innovation as it holds the biggest companies that produce advanced technology in the world. This is the one of the reasons why Japan’s technical intern training programs are sought by aspiring Filipino students when pursuing a career in innovation.

Table of Contents

1. All About the Japan Technical Intern Training Program
2. How to Apply for the Japan Technical Intern Training Program for Filipinos
3. Visa Requirements
4. Useful Sources of Information
5. Summary

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All About the Japan Technical Intern Training Program

With hundreds of technology-related companies and their focus and funding for research and development, it is no wonder that Japan is the go-to country when it comes to learning new technology. One example of a program that adheres to encouraging and promoting having a scientific mindset is the Japan Technical Intern Training Program.

Program Overview

The Japan Technical Intern Training Program was developed back in the early 1990s. Its main purpose is to facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge and skills from the Subject Matter Expert (in this case, the leading technology small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan) to interested individuals so that they would go back to their respective countries and apply what they’ve learnt to build a better tomorrow for their country. This program's secondary objective is to facilitate greater collaboration and country relations between Japan and developing countries such as the Philippines.

Interns enrolled in the training program are permitted to train and study in the respective fields of study as applied for up to a duration of 5 years maximum. 

※ Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organization, "What is the Technical Intern Training Program?"

Participation Data

In 2018, there were more than 330,000 interns training under the Japan Technical Intern Training Program, majority coming from Vietnam, followed by China, the Philippines, and other neighboring Asian countries.

※ Organization for Technical Intern Training, "Technical Intern Training Program," p.3
※ Organization for Technical Intern Training, "Summary of FY2017/2018 Statistics of Organization for Technical Intern Training," p.4

In December 2018, there were a number of 28,459 Filipino technical intern trainees throughout Japan. The top 3 prefectures with the highest number of Filipino trainees are Aichi (3,137), Hiroshima (2,160), and Saitama (1,491). Tokyo came in at no. 11 with 899 Filipino interns. 

※  Philippine Overseas Labor Office, Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, “Number of Filipino Technical Intern Trainees (b) by Prefecture as of December 2018”

Partner Companies or Organizations

There is a stringent process for companies and organizations who wish to be part of the Japan Technical Intern Training Program; this includes sending organizations, supervising organizations and host organizations. The requirements for host organizations in Japan include the following:

• Licensed as a host company or organization for the Japan Technical Intern Program;

• Teaching skills that are difficult for the trainee to access or acquire in their home country;

• Accreditation of a training plan prepared by the host organization. 

• Periodical evaluation of trainees to measure and track the progress of skill acquisition. This is to ascertain proper training is provided by the host organization in accordance with the approved training program;

• A supervisor or someone guiding the intern all throughout the training process;

• The amount paid to the intern should be at least equal to the amount paid to a Japanese worker doing the same job.

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How to Apply for the Japan Technical Intern Training Program for Filipinos

Preliminary Requirements

Interested in becoming a technical intern? Check whether you are in fulfilment of the criteria:

• Aged 18 to 40 years old

• Have not previously participated in technical intern training of the same stage currently applying for - in other words, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity only, except for unavoidable circumstances)

• Have experience working in the same field of work in the Philippines

• Fully understands the purpose of the program

• Passed at least N4 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) for application to technical intern training I, and at least N3 for application to technical intern training II (J. Test acceptable)

It is important that applicants have the passion, drive and interest to complete the training. It is expected that the interns will return to the Philippines and apply the concepts they have learned to improve their home country.

※ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, "General visa: Technical intern training (i) (a)/(b)"

Application Process

If you are interested to engage as an intern for the Japan Technical Training Program, there are two ways you can apply: through an individual enterprise or through a supervising organization.

The required documents for the application process are usually as follows:

• Completed application form

• Cover letter and resume

• Academic transcript and certifications (diploma)

• Record of relevant training, skills and experience

• NBI Clearance

Let us delve deeper into the differences between the two modes of application.

Individual Enterprise

For the individual enterprise method, the target applicants are employees. Business organizations in Japan usually post openings to their global partners and sister companies in nearby Asian countries, especially in the Philippines. Applications received will be screened for selection.

Supervising Organization

For the supervising organization method, non-profit organizations in Japan take over the role of marketing available positions and selecting applicants. Thereafter, they will connect the selected applicant with an approved host organization.

As of 2018, there are 188 qualified sending organizations listed on the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) list. Those interested in joining the Japan Technical Intern Training Program can contact any of the listed organizations for more information and advice. 

Beware of scams! Only companies on this list are licensed! Check the list before signing up to anything. 

Categories and Status of Residence

Technical interns are classified according to the type of internship acquired and status of residence. The maximum time technical interns are allowed to stay in Japan for training is 5 years Here’s a breakdown of the classifications:

Note that for a technical intern to progress upwards, he/she is required to pass a Technical Intern Training Evaluation Examination. For example, to go from Technical Intern Training I to Technical Intern Training II, and onwards. The examination may be written, practical, or both. 

Training Courses

Like what was stipulated in the requirements for accreditation of an organization to be a hosting member of the Japan Intern Training Program, each organization has to adhere to the following guidelines when implementing a training plan for technical interns:

• Specify important attributes such as the company name, intern trainee names, category of interns (whether individual enterprise type or supervising organizational type), and address or location of the company;

• Make clear the goals of the training plan and what skills the host organization intend to teach the technical intern;

• Appoint a training manager, trainer, and living guidance instructor to take care of the technical intern;

• Share important details such as training period, skill equivation methods, wages, quota of trainees, training site, working hours, leave policy, accommodation agreement, food allowance, and other financial and logistical matters.

It is also worthy to emphasize that training courses should offer skills that are not typically accessible in the home countries of technical interns, hence the need to travel to Japan in order to acquire and learn the said skill.

Visa Requirements

Type of Visa Required

The visa required for eligible applicants for the Japan Technical Training program is a technical training visa. The technical training visa allows applicants (in this case, the interns) to enter Japan for purposes of acquiring skills to bring back to their country. This visa is targeted at skilled workers in the areas of agriculture, construction, and manufacturing among others.

Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Before you can obtain the required visa, you must first apply for a COE. A COE proves that you have satisfied the requirements to stay in Japan for your intended purposes. The documents required include:

• Training plan stipulating the goals and objectives of your internship in Japan;

• Documents certifying various things including your professional career, your assurance to apply the skills learnt upon returning to your home country, and your trainer’s abilities to provide you with training;

• Information of the organization that is sending you to Japan;

• Information of the organization receiving you in Japan.

※Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, VISA
※Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, NOTICE ON EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE) RELATED TO THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
※Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, APPLICATION WITH CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY (COE)

Technical Training VISA

Once you have received your COE, visit the Japanese embassy and exchange the COE for a Technical Training Visa.

The required documents are listed on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Visa/Consular Services page under Visa for Application with Certificate of Eligibility Issued in Japan. The application forms and other documents are also available for download on the page.

Language Accreditation Needed

Applicants must have the foundational knowledge of the English language, and basic Japanese proficiency (JLPT N4 or N3).

Useful Sources of Information

To help you along the way, here are some sources for reading to further understand the Technical Intern Training Program:

• Organization for Technical Intern Training - Technical Intern Trainee Handbook

• Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organization (JITCO) - Lengthy explanation of the Technical Training Program

Summary

Indeed, Japan boasts of innovative wonders that people from developing countries can definitely use to their advantage. If you are interested in being one of the leading Subject Matter Experts in your home country, why not try Japan’s generous offer of the Technical Intern Program so you can hone your skills and enjoy the best of Japan! Hopefully, this article helps you and other Filipinos understand the requirements of being a technical intern in Japan and maximize its benefits.