The government draws up a 3-year plan to reverse the rising tide of youth unemployment

The government announced a comprehensive program for promoting the employment of young people. The program was drawn up by the Strategic Council to Foster a Spirit of Independence and Challenge in Youth, comprising four Cabinet ministers representing the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; and the Cabinet Office, respectively.

The plan has set a goal to reverse the rising trend in the number of unemployed youths and job-hopping part-time workers within three years. At present, there are approximately 2 million young people in Japan who earn their living by working part-time without becoming regular, full-time workers. Moreover, the number of young unemployed workers or jobless youths has increased to approximately 1 million. The government is hoping to rectify the situation by bolstering human resource development programs targeting young people and by encouraging their vocational independence.

The main focus of the plan is the introduction of a Japanese-type dual system, or a system for developing human resources that links practical business training with regular educational programs. The aim is to link the content of training and education provided at corporations with that provided in schools to foster professional people who can perform well in actual business situations.

At the elementary school level, work experience-type education will be offered with the participation of corporations and relevant personnel in regional communities. Study programs and educational materials suited to different stages of education and learning will also be developed. At the high school and university levels, emphasis will be placed on internship programs. Advanced educational programs in practical business skills will also be provided after graduation to re-educate those youths who have become job-hopping part-time workers.

The government will provide especially strong support to business start-up projects centering on the establishment of entrepreneurial communities that make use of the private sector and NPOs, as well as the targeted nurturing of personnel who can help revive industries and promote the establishment of new business ventures.

Furthermore, employment support centers targeting youths will be set up in various regions, and a structure for appropriately evaluating young people's practical vocational skills and knowledge will be created, for example, by establishing standards for skills required by each type of business. These standards will then be used by young people for setting their career goals, and by companies as hiring criteria.

The plan is expected to be incorporated into the Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Policy Management and Structural Reform ("large-boned policy") that the Council of Fiscal and Economic Policy will draw up by the end of June. Relevant ministries and agencies will be making their budget requests based on this policy.