Specified Skilled Worker Factory Jobs in Japan

Most non-food factory work for Specified Skilled Workers falls under the industrial product manufacturing field. It is divided into work categories such as machining, casting, pressing, welding, plastic moulding, painting, electrical and electronic assembly, finishing and industrial packaging, and you qualify for a specific category rather than for ‘factory work’ in general. For SSW (i) you generally need to pass the manufacturing skills evaluation test for that category and either the JFT-Basic or JLPT N4 or higher, unless related Technical Intern Training gives you an exemption.

Not every factory can hire SSW workers. The company must operate in an industry classification covered by the field, belong to the sector's council for SSW acceptance, and meet additional requirements that have been tightened in recent years. Employment must be direct, not through dispatch. This is why a factory that happily hires dispatch staff may still be unable to sponsor SSW. SSW (ii) is available for workers who gain supervisory experience and pass the higher-level test, allowing longer stays and family accompaniment.

A practical tip: when you apply, check that the job description matches the work category on your test certificate. Moving from welding to electronics assembly, for example, may need a different test. Ask what shift system the plant uses, whether safety training is given in a language you understand, and how the company will support you through the Immigration procedures. A change of employer needs a new change-of-status permission before you start.