Addressing the shortage of automotive technicians in Japan: AHK Japan and OAEC sign partnership agreement

July 11, 2025 | Tokyo. On July 4, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) and Ota Automobile Engineering College (OAEC) signed a partnership agreement to promote a German-style vocational training programme aimed at developing skilled automotive technicians. 

In response to the serious shortage of qualified automotive technicians in Japan, AHK Japan launched this programme in April 2024 in cooperation with BMW Japan Corp. and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Based on Germany’s widely adopted dual vocational training system, which combines practical on-the-job training with structured classroom education, the programme fosters talent through strong collaboration between companies and educational institutions. 

Participants enter into employment contracts with dealers as partner companies, receiving on-the-job training while attending classes at designated educational institutions, aiming to obtain a certificate of completion in three years. Tuition is fully covered by the companies, and trainees also receive salaries, making the programme accessible to individuals who may have previously given up further education due to financial reasons, as well as those seeking a career change. 

Initially launched at two schools in Tokyo and Kobe - NPO Mechanic College and Hanshin Institute of Technology (Hit) - the programme has now expanded to include OAEC as the third participating institution nationwide. Notably, OAEC is the first school to introduce a hybrid training format with online lectures, allowing for flexible participation from across Japan while maintaining Ota, Gunma, as the programme’s regional base in North Kanto. 

With this new structure in place, AHK Japan will continue to promote practical and internationally inspired vocational education opportunities and contribute to strengthening Japan’s skilled workforce foundation. 

About the AHK Japan 

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (AHK Japan) belongs to a worldwide network of 150 German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) in 93 countries. Wherever there is a particular interest for German business, the chambers offer their experience, connections and services to German and local companies alike.  

Since 1962, AHK Japan has been supporting companies wishing to start or further expand their international business with Japanese partners. As the official representation of German business in Japan, service provider and membership organization, AHK Japan offers a wide range of professional services to help companies - from startup to established company - along the road to success.