KUALA LUMPUR - A survey titled ‘The Real Voices of Active Auto Mechanics’ conducted by Chengrowth Inc., a provider of comprehensive human resource services for the automotive industry, found that there is a growing tendency within Japan’s auto maintenance sector to view the increase in foreign workers positively.

The survey was carried out from January 6 to 8, targeting approximately 1,000 active auto mechanics.

It aimed to identify the concerns and expectations mechanics hold toward their workplace environment amid worsening labor shortages.

According to the results, 30.3% of respondents said they felt positive about the expected increase in foreign workers, citing the introduction of diverse values and skills into the industry. 

Another 15.2% viewed it favorably as a way to help ease labor shortages. In total, about 40% expressed a favorable view of the trend.

This positive outlook is reinforced by broader labor market data. 

According to Carwork, a job-matching platform for the automotive industry, foreign nationals now make up about one in five job seekers in the auto mechanic field, more than double the share recorded three years ago.

The data also show that many of these job seekers hold a national qualification, suggesting they are capable of contributing immediately as skilled workers.

These findings suggest that foreign workers are not seen merely as a solution to labor shortages, but increasingly as contributors to technical and cultural diversity within the industry.

At the same time, the survey highlighted that building an adequate support system is essential for foreign auto mechanics to settle in and work long term.

When asked what is necessary for foreign mechanics to remain in the industry, around 40% of respondents pointed to the need to assign tasks in stages by skill level, emphasizing the importance of training frameworks that distinguish between beginners and experienced workers.

Moreover, a significant share of foreign job seekers already possess nationally recognized mechanic certifications, underscoring their technical competence rather than positioning them as unskilled labor. 

Many respondents also called for clearer instructions and manuals that reflect linguistic and cultural differences. 

They also emphasized the need for stronger communication support, including Japanese-language education covering both technical terms and everyday conversation.

Overall, the results indicate that rather than treating foreign workers solely as immediate assets, the industry is increasingly being urged to establish education and training environments that support long-term employment.

Given that auto mechanics is a highly specialized profession, systematic training may also enable foreign workers to build sustainable career paths within the sector.