Career Preparation Through Part-Time Jobs? Study on Informal Learning of International Students of Professional Training Colleges in Japan

The number of international students studying at professional training colleges (PTCs) in Japan has tripled from 2008 to 2020, while the Japanese government actively implemented policies to promote the employment of international students in Japan amid the labour shortage. Using a mixed methods design, this study identifies the issues of formal and informal learning among international students in PTCs concerning their employability. The analysis of existing surveys and an interview with a PTC career counsellor delineates the issues of the concentration of international students in specific courses and their lack of Japanese language proficiency to pursue a high level of technical education. The interviews with PTC international students present the ‘self-directed’ and ‘opportunistic’ nature of their informal learning through part-time jobs. Based on the findings, we suggest developing a model programme tailored to the needs and capacity of international students, in collaboration with the industry, to promote structured informal learning and enhance their employability. This study will provide implications for the countries seeking to recruit and train youth from developing countries and prepare them for shortage occupations.