Hoang first came to Japan eleven years ago as a technical intern trainee and now works under a Specified Skilled Worker (i) visa. Hoang has lived in Japan for nine years. How has he spent the past nine years?

Profile

Work

Concrete pumping work / Photo: Provided by Hoang

Q. Tell us about your current job.

I work in concrete pumping. I use a pump truck to put liquid concrete into walls and pillars to create the foundation of buildings.

Q. When do you find your work fun or rewarding?

I think it is fun to be the site foreman and decide on workflow or crew members for a project. I am also happy when I am able to set my own goals to see how far I can go. I find it fun when I can use my experience in work that comes with responsibility.

Reasons for Coming to Japan

Q. What made you come to Japan?

(1) Coming to Japan as a technical intern trainee

The construction company that I used to work at in Vietnam and Yamacon Co., Ltd., where I currently work, decided to employ the technical intern training system for human resource development. My company asked me if I would like to work for Japan, and I agreed. There are two reasons that I accepted the offer.

The first is that I have loved Japan since I was a child through manga and anime such as Pokémon, Detective Conan, and Doraemon. I pictured Japan to be a beautiful place with kind people. The second reason was that the job description at the training site matched the work I had been involved in.

(2) Coming back to Japan

My work after returning to Vietnam was the same as during my internship, so I thought that, since I had gone all the way to Japan already, I would like to go back to Japan and learn more. I stayed in Japan for the same reason when I changed my status of residence from technical intern training to specified skilled worker.

Q. How did your family react to your decision to go to Japan?

I was 21 years old at the time, but my family did not object. They told me,  “Whatever you decide to do, do it well.”

Studying Japanese

Q. How did you study Japanese?

When I came to Japan, I could hardly speak Japanese, but I took time after work and during breaks to study. I had a job, so I could not go to a Japanese language school. I’m the type of person who learns through speaking, so I spoke with Japanese workers at the same site during breaks and asked questions when I didn’t understand. Now, I have managed to pass the N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

Studying for Qualifications

Q. What kind of qualifications have you acquired for your residency so far?

I have acquired the qualifications in the table below.

Q. How did you study for construction qualifications?

Just like with the Japanese language, I mostly study after work. (The company also offers classes.)

I am currently studying to pass the Level 1 of the Trade Skills Test (Class I Concrete Pumping Construction Worker) in order to change my status of residence to Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

Future Goals

Q. What are your future goals?

I am currently studying to pass the Level 1 of the Trade Skills Test so I can change my status of residence to Specified Skilled Worker (ii). Being a Specified Skilled Worker (ii) lets you bring family members from your home country to Japan.

In the long term, I also aim to obtain qualifications even more difficult than Level 1 of the Trade Skills Test (Registered Concrete Pumping Technician) I hope to use these qualifications so I can work in a role with responsibility, such as foreman. I would also like to play a role in connecting my Vietnamese juniors with people in Japan to help build good relationships. I also dream of having a family in Japan and living happily ever after with them.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to do now?

I would like to have a Vietnamese food party with my work friends, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Vietnamese food party all started with a New Year’s party for Vietnamese friends who could not return home. We gradually began inviting Japanese workers to join as well. Before, around twenty to thirty people would join these parties, where I would cook and serve food.

I would make dozens of dishes, such as spring rolls and pho. I’ve always liked cooking, so it is fun for me, including shopping with Japanese friends. I want to teach my Japanese coworkers about Vietnamese parties and encourage my Vietnamese juniors who are working hard and unable to return home for New Year’s.

Party before the pandemic / Photo: Provided by Hoang

Advice for Junior Workers

Q. Do you have any advice for those who want to come to Japan as technical intern trainees or specified skilled workers?

I believe there are two things that are important.

(1) First, you must study Japanese.

If you do not understand Japanese, you may be unable to communicate properly, which may lead to conflict. Being able to understand what people are saying feels good, so study is important.

(2) Next, strive for growth both at work and in Japanese ability.

No one can speak Japanese well or do their job perfectly at first. If you don’t understand, ask them to repeat until you do and remember it for the next time. Being able to talk a little is fun, so you should repeatedly strive for this goal and work hard at your job. Speaking is also a way to make friends. Making friends makes it easier to ask questions or ask for favors.

Have goals and work hard.

Photo provided by Hoang

If you want to know more, check here!

Educational materials for foreign workers in the construction industry ｜Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Concept video of the specific skill system (construction field)｜Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Interview video of a skilled worker (construction field) who became the first No. 2 specified skilled foreigner｜Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

What Should I Do So I Can Work? | Support Website for the Specified Skilled Worker Program | Immigration Services Agency of Japan