The Japan International Training Co-operation Organization (JITCO)

This programme is conducted on a memorandum of understanding signed between the 2 state governments of Sri Lanka and Japan. This programme is being conducted and promoted by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare while the trainees are recruited and sent to Japan for further vocational training through licensed foreign employment agencies.

Under this programme, the Japanese government has agreed to provide on-the-job training opportunities to 1000 skilled young men and women every year. At a special meeting held in Japan in April 2008, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare was able to successfully negotiate with the Japanese Labour, Justice and Defence Ministers and increase the amount of Sri Lankan trainees form 500 to 1000.

This vocational training period will be for a total of 3 years, out of which the first year’s Visa is granted to them as trainees and designated Visa is granted to them for the balance 2 years.

Each trainee will be allowed to work only at the designated place of employment while it is compulsory for them to return back after the 3 years period is over.

Qualifications

1.       Applicants should be between 19-30 years ( preference  would be given to those below the age of 25)

2.       A pass for English or Sinhala Language at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination

3.       Applicants should be healthy

4.       Should possess a minimum  of 1 years work experience in the relevant field and be able to provide a certificate of service for it.

5.       Preference will be given to those with vocational training programme experience

6.       Knowledge of Japanese will be considered as an added advantage

Recruitment

The recruitment of trainee is done through licensed agents registered with the SLBFE. All licensed foreign employment agencies are not permitted to recruit trainee for the programme and special permission is granted to certain agencies to handle this. The number of trainees to be recruited from each Agency is limited. New recruitments will not be allowed until at lease 60% of the previous orders for trainees are confirmed. These agents are expected to adhere to the strict guidelines and regulation imposed by the SLBFE when recruiting these trainees.

Training

Trainees recruited by licensed employment agents will need to undergo training on the Japanese language, lifestyle as well as physical fitness. Japanese language training should amount to 224 hours or more. Upon completion of the course, an examination will be conducted by an outside organisation independent of the SLBFE. The successful passing of this examination is mandatory.

Bond

All trainees for Japan are required to sign a bond before leaving Sri Lanka. This will ensure that the trainees do not indulge in employment elsewhere during their stay and will also ensure that an environment conducive to the successful completion of the training programme. Trainees who do not adhere to the conditions stipulated on the bond document will have to pay the employer a sum of 2 million rupees. The signing of the bond ensures that trainees cannot do as they please while it also ensures that the welfare of the trainee as well as the employer is safeguarded.