Characteristics and needs of Vietnamese technical intern trainees (care workers) in Japan: A qualitative study

AbstractBackgroundForeign caregivers are assuming increasing importance in Japan due to a significant shortage of caregivers. To secure and train stable human resources, it is important to understand the needs and challenges of foreign caregivers.ObjectiveTo identify the needs and challenges of Vietnamese technical interns, the largest group of foreign caregivers in Japan, to facilitate system reforms for foreign caregivers and a more efficient recruitment process.MethodsA semi-structured interview survey was conducted with 27 Vietnamese technical interns (caregivers). Interview items included reasons for choosing technical internship in Japan, desired length of stay, and expectations in Japan, as well as career advancement after returning home. Descriptive statistics and k-means clustering were used to analyze the data.ResultsSurvey results showed that all respondents had made their own decision to come to Japan and wanted to pursue caregiver certification; 44% had also considered other countries apart from Japan; most wanted to stay in Japan for as long as possible; 37% wanted to live in Japan permanently. The k-means method revealed three clusters: Japanophile cluster or those who preferred Japan for its landscape, culture, and national character; Word-of-mouth cluster or those influenced by personal referrals; and Intellectual cluster or those influenced by Japan’s economic development and care levels.ConclusionsVietnamese technical interns hoped to study advanced Japanese, become certified care workers, and work in the nursing field after returning to their home country. They also tended to want to stay in Japan for a longer period than that assumed for technical internship programs. Our findings indicate that support for obtaining qualifications, Japanese language skills, and caregiving skills are important to secure stable foreign caregivers. Since each cluster had different backgrounds and reasons, motives, and assumptions for coming to Japan, it is necessary to tailor recruitment, training, and support for each cluster.